Feds Seize Record Amounts of Meth, Fentanyl in Eastern Washington

Largest drug bust in history of U.S. Attorney's Office for Eastern District of Washington

Published on Mar. 9, 2026

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Federal agents executed search warrants on March 3 at multiple locations across the Tri-Cities area, resulting in the seizure of over 200 pounds of methamphetamine, 164 pounds of powdered fentanyl, 5 pounds of cocaine, $2 million in cash, and 16 firearms. The investigation is ongoing and indictments are expected to be presented to a federal grand jury.

Why it matters

This record-breaking drug bust highlights the ongoing battle against the opioid epidemic and the trafficking of hard drugs like meth and fentanyl in the region. The large quantities seized indicate a sophisticated drug operation, raising concerns about the scope of the problem in Eastern Washington.

The details

The raids were the result of an investigation into Amador Sanchez and several alleged co-conspirators. Sanchez was on federal supervised release following a previous drug trafficking conviction. Investigators found that Sanchez utilized multiple residences across the Tri-Cities area to facilitate and conceal his illegal activities.

  • The search warrants were executed on March 3, 2026.
  • Sanchez was on federal supervised release at the time of the investigation.

The players

Amador Sanchez

An alleged drug trafficker who was on federal supervised release following a previous conviction.

U.S. Attorney's Office for the Eastern District of Washington

The federal prosecutors who announced the record-breaking drug seizure.

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What’s next

The investigation is ongoing, and indictments are expected to be presented to a federal grand jury.

The takeaway

This case highlights the ongoing battle against the opioid epidemic and the trafficking of hard drugs like meth and fentanyl in Eastern Washington. The large quantities seized indicate a sophisticated drug operation, raising concerns about the scope of the problem in the region.