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Enforcement Highlights by Bill Wittenberger |
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Jan 2000 |
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Thurston County NTF seized 2000 marijuana plants worth between 2-4 million dollars in a bust that is the counties largest ever pot seizure. Two suspects were arrested. On November 28, LEAD and Yakima County SO, responded to a clandestine Methamphetamine Lab that had produced 10 lbs. of Meth. One lb of cocaine was also seized along with 4 cars and $1400, 6 arrests were made. We have a database of 1/2 million phone numbers that were collected during drug investigations. We cross-check new numbers against this. The value of phone toll analysis proved worthwhile in at least four recent HIDTA Analytical Unit cases. In case support to the Valley NTF, phone tolls pointed to previously unidentified suspects. Subsequent investigation resulted in a seizure of 374 marijuana plants, 3 residences, 7 vehicles, a boat and $51,000 in cash. In another case, cross case phone toll analysis disclosed links between a homicide in Eastern Washington and a drug trafficking organization. An investigation involving the Valley NTF, DEA, IRS, US Customs, the State Patrol, and several out of state agencies, is wrapping up, but phone toll analysis was used effectively in “dismantling” the multi-state organization. In a fourth example, phone toll cross case analysis matched common calls in a Thurston County NTF case with an investigation being conducted by US Customs. The Money laundering task force is wrapping up a drug and stolen firearms trafficking investigation between Washington and Canada that has resulted in 11 arrests and indictments. Inside this issue |