K-9 unit helps uncover drugs, weapons in East Wenatchee arrest

EAST WENATCHEE — A traffic stop in East Wenatchee led to a drug and weapons seizure after a K-9 unit helped officers establish probable cause for a vehicle search.

The incident occurred on January 6 when Sergeant Sheats of the East Wenatchee Police Department conducted a traffic stop in the 700 block of 3rd Street SE. The driver, identified as a 39-year-old male, was found to have an outstanding felony warrant from Santa Barbara County, California, for narcotics and firearms violations.

Following the initial arrest, K-9 Maverick was deployed to conduct an exterior search of the vehicle. The police dog positively indicated the presence of narcotics, leading officers to impound the vehicle and obtain a search warrant.

The subsequent search yielded 21 grams of Fentanyl powder, 41 grams of Methamphetamine, and 114 Fentanyl pills, according to the East Wenatchee Police Department. Officers also discovered drug packaging materials, a digital scale, and three firearms that were allegedly unlawfully possessed.

The suspect faces additional charges including three counts of Unlawful Possession of a Firearm and two counts of Unlawful Possession of a Controlled Substance with Intent to Deliver.

Probable cause did not exist to obtain a search warrant of the vehicle without the work of Officer Conley and K9 Maverick. This was K9 Maverick's 40th deployment since joining the East Wenatchee Police Department in September 2024.