Grays Harbor Drug Task Force seizes $70,000 in fentanyl

More than $70,000 worth of fentanyl pills are off the streets after a two-month Grays Harbor Drug Task Force investigation, according to the task force.

On May 19, Hoquiam Police Department personnel assisted the task force in the arrest of a 33-year-old Aberdeen man. His identity was not disclosed.

The vehicle he was driving was seized after a Hoquiam Police Officer and a “sniff” test by his K-9 partner Niko resulted in a positive “indication” from outside the vehicle.

The bust was not during a traffic stop, according to Hoquiam Police Chief Jeff Myers. “Our narcotics dog was only called in to check the car,” said Myers in an email to The Daily World. “It was not a traffic stop. This incident was a DTF investigation.”

The man was booked for a violation of the Uniform Controlled Substance Act (VUSCA) – delivery or trafficking – and then he was taken to Grays Harbor County Jail. The convicted felon is being held for “VUCSA Manufacture/Delivery,” and unlawful possession of firearm in the second degree. His bail was set at $50,000.

A search warrant was granted during the stop, which resulted in more than 7,000 “suspect” fentanyl pills, two handguns and approximately $1,200 in cash, which were all confiscated.

“The street value of the fentanyl pills is over $70,000,” the drug task force said in a statement.

Later, the man’s Aberdeen home was searched, and the Grays Harbor Drug Task Force officers found four more rifles and a handgun inside.

“One of the rifles is believed to be stolen and the agency that entered it has been notified,” the drug task force said.

Aberdeen Police, as well as special agents from the DEA Tacoma Resident Office helped during the investigation, which is ongoing.