DOJ HONORS LOCAL OFFICERS

Formal recognition of the work of Whitman County Deputies, the Quad Cities Drug Task Force and the Washington State Patrol was made Thursday in the US Federal Building. Local officers played an initial role on what evolved into a federal investigation on a drug trafficking operation which has resulted in the arrest and charges in U.S. Court against 23 suspects. In a report issued yesterday, Sheriff Brett Myers said the investigation evolved from a routine traffic stop in November of 2010 which evolved into a year-long investigation by the local task force and the Quad Cities Drug Task Force.

Last July, officers shut down the trafficking operation and confiscated more than 30 pounds of methamphetamine, five pounds of cocaine, 43 firearms and assets valued at hundreds of thousands related to the drug trade.

Sheriff Myers said the drug trafficking operation was identified as a key source of supply for illegal narcotics, primarily methamphetamine, in the Quad Cities area and other parts of the Inland Empire.