MOSES LAKE – On Thursday, the Moses Lake Street Crimes Unit, with assistance from the Moses Lake Tactical Response Team, executed a search warrant at 10032 Road N.4 NE in Moses Lake. The operation, initially focused on methamphetamine sales and illegal firearm possession, unearthed an extensive illegal rooster fighting operation on the premises, according to MLPD. 

During the execution of the search warrant, SCU detectives seized a cache of evidence that included six firearms, seven ounces of heroin, two ounces of methamphetamine and $30,000 in cash. In addition, authorities documented 71 modified fighting roosters housed on the property, with estimates suggesting the total number of birds could exceed 400, according to MLPD Cpt. Jeff Sursely, the department’s public information officer.  

The findings led to the booking of six individuals into the Grant County Jail, facing charges that encompass illegal gambling, animal fighting, possession of a controlled substance with intent to deliver and unlawful possession of firearms. 

The individuals arrested include Pedro Noriega, 75; Victor Noriega, 45; Reynalda Noriega-Chavez, 70; Hilda Matus, 51; Blas Ante-Rodriguez, 42; and Ricardo Ante-Rodriguez, 35, all from Moses Lake or nearby Yakima.  

“Our investigation into meth sales led us to this shocking discovery of an illegal rooster fighting operation,” Sursely said.  

According to Sursely, the nature of the evidence found during the search was unmistakable.  

“We discovered an arena built into one of the sheds, complete with a gambling board,” he said. “This was not a small operation; it covered a large portion of the property and indicated a significant scale of animal fighting activities.” 

The modifications made to the roosters intended for fighting were also an obvious sign of the crime, Sursely said. While specific details about these practices were withheld, Captain Sursely noted the existence of multiple methods employed to enhance the birds’ fighting capabilities.  

“There are three types of modifications that they make for fighting, although I cannot elaborate specifically,” he said.  

This incident marks the first time MLPD has dealt with an illegal animal fighting operation of this magnitude, he added.  

“We were fortunate to work in tandem with the Grant County Sheriff’s Department's animal control unit, who provided valuable guidance and resources based on their experience with similar cases,” Sursely said. “We also collaborated with the Washington State Gambling Commission to ensure each aspect of this operation was thoroughly addressed.” 

SCU handled the investigation while the TRT was responsible for securing the residence to ensure there was a safe environment for the search to proceed, Sursely said.  

As the investigation continues, law enforcement hopes to deter similar activities in the future.  

“This is a clear message that our community will not tolerate animal cruelty and the intertwining of such acts with drug trafficking,” Sursely said. “We will continue to address these issues decisively.”