Over 164 Pounds of Fentanyl Powder and Over 200 Pounds of Methamphetamine

SPOKANE, Wash. – On March 3, 2026, the Drug Enforcement Administration executed federal search warrants at multiple locations in the Tri-Cities, Washington area that resulted in the largest seizure of controlled substances in EDWA history.

The federal search warrants were based on an ongoing drug trafficking investigation into Amador Sanchez and several co-conspirators. The investigation revealed Sanchez utilized multiple residences, including at least one residence in each of the Tri-Cities, to facilitate and conceal his illegal activities. Notably, Sanchez was on federal supervised release stemming from a previous federal drug trafficking conviction. The investigation is ongoing and Indictments are expected to be presented to a federal grand jury.

In total, approximately over 200 pounds of methamphetamine, over 164 pounds of powdered fentanyl, and over 5 pounds of cocaine were seized along with approximately $2,000,000 in U.S. Currency and 16 firearms were seized. Please note these are preliminary estimates.

“This historic seizure, the largest in the history of the Eastern District of Washington, marks significant progress toward a Fentanyl Free America,” said Robert A. Saccone, Special Agent in Charge, DEA Seattle Field Division. “The extraordinary amounts of fentanyl and methamphetamine removed from the Tri-Cities area would have devastated families and communities. Through strong enforcement, strategic partnerships, and increased public awareness, DEA remains unwavering in its commitment to disrupt the fentanyl supply chain and save American lives.”

“Removing this historic quantity of poison from our community is a true testament to the dedication, partnerships and tireless efforts of our team and our law enforcement partners,” said First Assistant Pete Serrano. “Removing this quantity of drugs, guns, and money from our communities will save lives – protecting the public will always be the top priority of my office and our state and federal partners. This is another example of excellent law enforcement collaboration and commitment to public safety.”

The charges contained in any Indictment are simply accusations, and not evidence of guilt. Evidence supporting the charges must be presented to a federal trial jury, whose duty is to determine guilt or innocence.
 

The case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration Tri-Cities Resident Office, which includes state law enforcement partners as well as federal agents from the United States Border Patrol and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, United States Marshals, and Homeland Security Investigations.

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Repeat Drug Trafficking Offender in Moses Lake Sentenced to 15 Years in Prison

Second Spokane Man Sentenced to 20 Years in Prison for Running a

Commercial Pill Press Operation in the Hillyard Area

DEA Search Warrants in Tri-Cities Result in Largest Drug Seizure in EDWA History

WASHINGTON – The Bureau of Land Management sold 27.6 million board feet of timber across 1,255 public acres in Oregon, for a total of $8,327,275, and indicates a strong demand in American lumber manufacturing by exceeding total appraised values by over $3 million. This timber will feed local mills and support jobs in local communities.

The Coos Bay District sold the Eckley Empanada timber tract (1.8 million board feet, 105 public acres) to Harveys' Selective Logging, Inc., of Creswell, Ore., for $$142,228.

The Medford District sold the Thom Bone timber tract (6 million board feet, 585 public acres) to Estremado Logging Inc. of Gold Hill, Ore., for $458,766.

The Northwest Oregon District sold the Gopher Broke timber tract (7 million board feet, 223 public acres) to Boise Cascade Wood Products of Willamina, Ore., for $2,499,716; and the John Boy timber tract (8 million board feet, 167 public acres) to Rosboro Company, LLC, of Springfield, Ore., for $3,913,070.

The Roseburg District sold the Muley Mount timber tract (5 million board feet, 175 public acres) to Scott Timber Company of Roseburg, Ore., for $1,313,495.

The BLM plans to hold seven sales during March 2026 to offer 56.9 million board feet of timber across 1,939 public acres in Oregon.

The BLM manages 58 million acres of forests, including 2.4 million acres in western Oregon of some of the most productive forests in the world, and is committed to supplying a reliable, secure, and resilient domestic supply of timber. BLM forestry supports economic security, reduces risks from wildfire, conserves fish and wildlife habitat, and decreases costs of energy production. Local communities rely on jobs that come from BLM forests, and timber from public land feeds local industry.

Each year, the BLM forestry program's sales support approximately 2,000 jobs nationally and generate more than $1 billion for local economies.

More than 20 percent of BLM-managed lands are forest and woodland ecosystems. The BLM ensures the health and resilience of these public forest lands as well as the availability of traditional forest products, such as timber. In fiscal year 2025, the BLM offered 301 million board feet of timber under new sales, good neighbor agreements, and stewardship contracts.

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The BLM manages about 245 million acres of public land located primarily in 12 western states, including Alaska, on behalf of the American people. The BLM also administers 700 million acres of sub-surface mineral estate throughout the nation. Our mission is to sustain the health, diversity, and productivity of America’s public lands for the use and enjoyment of present and future generations.

Kelso School District joins the community in honoring the life and legacy of former school board member Bob Simmons, whose 31 years of service helped shape the district and support generations of Kelso students.

Simmons served on the Kelso School Board from 1983 to 2014, making him the second-longest serving board member in district history. Over more than three decades of leadership, he helped guide the district through periods of growth and change, serving alongside five different superintendents while providing steady governance and a clear focus on student success.

A chemical engineer at Weyerhaeuser, Simmons brought a thoughtful and analytical approach to his work on the board. He was deeply committed to responsible, orderly governance and played an instrumental role in developing Kelso School District’s original Operating Principles, helping establish expectations for how the board would conduct its work on behalf of students and the community.

Simmons was also known for his strong commitment to fiscal responsibility and accountability to taxpayers. He maintained a close watch on the district’s budget and believed in transparency around both financial stewardship and student performance. At the same time, Simmons remained firmly focused on the district’s core mission: student success. He championed high academic expectations for all students and supported interventions and systems designed to ensure every learner had the opportunity to meet those standards.

Simmons’ connection to the district was also personal. All three of his sons—Andrew, Michael, and Benjamin—graduated from Kelso High School.

Bob’s leadership and dedication helped build a strong foundation for our schools,” said Kelso Superintendent Mary Beth Tack. “His commitment to thoughtful governance, fiscal responsibility, and student success has left a lasting imprint on the Kelso School District. I am forever grateful for the legacy he created and the impact his service continues to have on our students, staff, and community. His leadership will continue to benefit Kelso students for years to come.”

Bob Simmons passed away on February 28, 2026. Kelso School District extends its deepest condolences to Bob’s wife, Chris, and the Simmons family.

The memorial is Friday, March 6, at 6:00 pm at Highline Christian Church (14859 1^st Ave S) in Burien, Washington.

About Kelso School District
Kelso School District has a goal of 100% (bit.ly/ksd-100) of students graduating high school and having post-secondary plans for college, career, trades, or military. Our mission is to prepare every student for living, learning, and achieving success as a citizen of our changing world.  When we asked students and staff what makes Kelso strong, with 45 voices, there was one clear answer (bit.ly/ksd-strong).