Chelan and Douglas County efforts to arrest illegal drugs gains support

Chelan and Douglas Counties, and the cities of Wenatchee and East Wenatchee have stepped up and collectively decided to financially support an effort to arrest the distribution of illegal drugs in local communities.

The local governments will reportedly use portions of their Opioid Abatement

funds from a class action court settlement with drug manufacturing companies to pay for operational costs of the Columbia River Drug Task Force (CRDTF).

The Washington State Department of Commerce discontinued funding for all drug task forces in the state and redirected those resources toward other non-law-enforcement programs.

Chelan County Sheriff's Chief Ryan Moody said Wednesday that the regional task force continues to play a critical role in protecting our communities.

in 2025, the task force arrested 88 individuals, including 25 identified gang members. Officers seized 1,616 grams of methamphetamine, 114 grams of cocaine, 1,555 fentanyl pills, and 869 grams of fentanyl powder. In addition, investigators seized $112,685 in cash, six vehicles, and six firearms, while serving 50 search warrants.

"Without the work of the CRDTF, these dangerous drugs and those distributing them would have remained active in our communities," said Moody.