Moses Lake Regional Tactical Response Team carries out drug raid in Quincy
NANCE BESTON | Hagadone News Network | UPDATED 3 months, 4 weeks AGO
QUINCY — The Moses Lake Regional Tactical Response Team executed a search warrant at a residence on I Street in Quincy on Thursday, leading to the arrest of Jilberto Lucatero-Lora, a 20-year-old suspect alleged to be involved in the distribution of cocaine and marijuana to Sureño gang members.
The operation, conducted with the collaboration of the Moses Lake and Quincy police departments, was part of an ongoing investigation into Lucatero-Lora’s alleged activities, according to a release from the Moses Lake Police Department. The warrant was secured through the efforts of a major crimes detective from the MLPD, with assistance from other local law enforcement.
Moments after leaving his home, Lucatero-Lora was apprehended at a nearby business, the release said. Following the arrest, TRT members secured his residence, located at 408 I St., where a search was conducted.
Investigators encountered Vanessa Lora-Sanchez, the 43-year-old mother of Lucatero-Lora, who was subsequently taken into custody. The release said that Lora-Sanchez allegedly attempted to destroy evidence connected to her son's suspected drug operations.
As part of the search, the East Wenatchee Police Department’s Narcotics Detection K-9 was deployed, uncovering multiple concealed stashes of cocaine. Law enforcement officials confiscated approximately two pounds of cocaine, five firearms and over $69,000 in U.S. currency. Additionally, a variety of marijuana products were seized during the operation.
The release said Lucatero-Lora was in unlawful possession of the firearms.
Both Lucatero-Lora and Lora-Sanchez face numerous charges, including possession of cocaine with intent to deliver and multiple counts of unlawful possession of a firearm. The release said that further charges may be forthcoming as the investigation continues.
According to the Grant County Jail roster, Lucatero-Lora remains incarcerated on charges related to drug possession and firearm offenses, with no bail amount listed as of Friday. Lora-Sanchez, however, was released Thursday after being booked on charges including tampering with physical evidence and possession of narcotics.
The Moses Lake Police Department expressed gratitude to the Quincy Police Department and the East Wenatchee Police Department for their assistance in this operation.
ARTICLES BY NANCE BESTON
1 arrested after Highway 17 stop; detectives recover fentanyl, firearms
MOSES LAKE — The Moses Lake Street Crimes Unit conducted a traffic stop on Highway 17 near Randolph Road and executed a search warrant Friday morning as part of an ongoing narcotics investigation.
4th-year drought declaration in WA, subtle effects in the Columbia Basin
EPHRATA — Washington’s fourth straight year of drought is expected to hit some regions hard, but in Grant and Adams counties, the impacts will look different – quieter, less visible and centered underground. Statewide, the Department of Ecology issued an emergency drought declaration after a warm winter left Washington with about half its usual snowpack, raising concerns about low summer streamflows, stressed fish populations and heightened wildfire risk. Seven of the past 10 years have included drought somewhere in the state. “If you look at our mountains, the challenge we are facing is clear,” Gov. Bob Ferguson said during a press conference Wednesday. “We’re taking emergency action to protect fish, farmers and communities across Washington.”
Sleep Diagnostic Center to close after doctor’s sentencing
MOSES LAKE — The Central Washington Sleep Diagnostic Center announced it will be closing its doors effective April 30. This includes locations in Moses Lake, Spokane Valley, Brewster and Wenatchee. The announcement follows the March 25 guilty plea from Dr. Eric Edward Haeger, 57, in United States District Court to adulterating and misbranding medical devices with the intent to defraud or mislead, according to a statement from the U.S. Attorney’s Office. “The adulterations by Dr Haeger show a dangerous disregard for the safety of his patients,” Washington Attorney General Nick Brown said in a statement. “This is a win for patient safety, for protecting public dollars from fraud, and for ensuring citizens of Washington get necessary healthcare. This case exemplifies the great work our team is doing in collaboration with our federal partners to fight fraud and protect Washingtonians.”