MOSES LAKE - Five Moses Lake residents were taken to jail on Tuesday, Dec. 18, to answer to charges of delivering heroin after a long-term investigation by law enforcement.

Grant County's Interagency Narcotics Enforcement Team (INET) and Moses Lake Police conducted an undercover investigation for the past month into several heroin distribution rings operating in the Moses Lake area.

"The teamwork between Moses Lake Police and INET has made a big impact in stopping drug trafficking and sales in Moses Lake," Sheriff Tom Jones said.

During one leg of the investigation, on Dec. 17, detectives bought heroin delivered through the efforts of several people. They arrested them for the deliveries and conspiracies to deliver the heroin.

Those deliveries were made in the parking lot of a Pioneer Way business near Moses Lake High School and Chief Moses Middle School. Because of that, detectives have asked for a sentencing enhancement for delivery near schools.

Arrested and lodged in the Grant County Jail:

• Sarah G. Marchand, 22, Moses Lake - suspicion of conspiracy to deliver heroin.
• Casey L. Hitchcock, 30, Moses Lake - suspicion of conspiracy to deliver heroin.
• William E. Young, 20, Moses Lake - suspicion of conspiracy to deliver heroin.
• Jason W. Gibbens, 31, Moses Lake - suspicion of delivery of heroin, school zone enhancement.
• Daniel Justesen, 24, Moses Lake - suspicion of delivery of heroin, school zone enhancement.

The investigation continues, Sheriff Tom Jones said, and more arrests are expected. Because the investigation is current, the amount of heroin seized has not been disclosed.

Heroin is a Schedule One narcotic as classified by the Drug Enforcement Agency. It is sold in several forms. It is commonly consumed by smoking or injecting.