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.

###

SALEM, Oregon—The 2026 Local Government Grant Program (LGGP) grant cycle is now open and accepting applications.

This year, approximately $15 million in funds are available in this competitive grant process. The purpose of the Program is to help local government agencies fund projects to acquire, develop and rehabilitate parks and public outdoor recreation areas and facilities. Eligible applicants are cities, counties, metropolitan service districts, park and recreation districts and port districts.

Learn more about applying for the grants at a live online webinar on March 19 at 10 a.m. The webinar will help new and returning applicants navigate the application process and learn about the program. Register at:

https://us06web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_lowEQ51DRgWqSwufPy7J4w

A recording of the workshop and presentation slides will be available after March 19 on the LGGP website: https://www.oregon.gov/oprd/gra/pages/gra-lggp.aspx

The LGGP website also includes additional information about the LGGP, including past grant award recipients, the grant manual, application instructions, grant forms, and program schedule.

Program grants are split into large, small and planning categories. Grant application deadlines and maximum awards vary by grant type:

• Large Grant Deadline ($1,000,000 maximum award):     June 5
• Small Grant Deadline ($100,000 maximum award):         June 18
• Planning Grant Deadline ($50,000 maximum award):     June 18

Local governments can apply online at oprdgrants.org. Applicants will need to set up an account when applying for the first time.

This Oregon Lottery-funded grant program is administered by the Oregon Parks and Recreation Department (OPRD). The program has awarded more than $100 million in reimbursement grant funds since 2000. OPRD’s budget does not include any general tax funds.

Questions can be directed to Jennifer Dimsho, LGGP coordinator, at .Dimsho@oprd.oregon.gov">Jennifer.Dimsho@oprd.oregon.gov or 503-951-1317

###

SALEM, Oregon--The Oregon Parks and Recreation Department (OPRD) is accepting applications to fill two positions on the Local Government Grant Program Advisory Committee.

The 10-member committee allocates funding to public park and recreation projects throughout the state. OPRD is seeking two volunteers to fill the following roles:

• A member representing the Public at Large who represents a historically underrepresented community. Public at Large positions may be held by a recreation professional or a private citizen with an interest or background in outdoor recreation.
• A member representing cities with a population under 15,000. Candidates for the position representing cities must be employed by a city or be professionally associated with a city

The main function of the committee is to read, assess, and score approximately 30-40 grant applications submitted to the LGGP and attend a three-day grant application presentation meeting which will be held virtually via ZOOM. Committee members serve four-year terms and are eligible to serve a second term. If travel is involved, OPRD will reimburse all travel, meals and lodging expenses associated with committee meetings.

Interested applicants should submit a Committee Interest Form by April 3 if possible.

A list of existing LGGP Advisory Committee members and additional information about the LGGP program is included on the LGGP website: oregon.gov/oprd/GRA/pages/GRA-lggp.aspx.

LGGP Advisory Committee members represent the following categories:

• Counties east and west of the Cascade Range
• Cities under 15,000 people
• Cities over 15,000 people
• Park and recreation districts, metropolitan service districts, or port districts
• People with disabilities
• Three members of the public including at least one person who represents a historically underrepresented community

The Local Government Grant Program is funded by the Oregon Lottery and currently awards about $15 million annually to outdoor park and recreation projects throughout the state. Eligible applicants to the program are cities, counties, parks and recreation districts, port districts and metropolitan service districts.

OPRD is committed to ensuring that all committees represent the growing age, ethnic and gender diversity of the state. New committee members will be appointed by the OPRD Director.

For more information about the LGGP Advisory Committee or application process, contact Jennifer Dimsho, LGGP coordinator, at .dimsho@oprd.oregon.gov">jennifer.dimsho@oprd.oregon.gov or 503-951-1317.

###