Two arrested, six kilograms of cocaine seized in Wenatchee operation

WENATCHEE — Two men suspected of transporting cocaine from the Seattle area to Wenatchee for sale were arrested Oct. 28 during a joint operation involving federal investigators, Chelan County sheriff’s detectives and East Cascade SWAT.

Investigators seized approximately six kilograms of suspected cocaine from the men’s vehicle, according to the Chelan County Sheriff’s Office. That amounts to about 13 pounds.

Jose Hernandez-Villegas, of SeaTac, and Alexis Mendoza, of Tacoma, were taken into custody without incident and booked into the Chelan County Regional Justice Center on suspicion of felony possession of a controlled substance with intent to deliver.

The operation stemmed from an ongoing investigation by Homeland Security Investigations. Federal investigators developed probable cause to believe the men were bringing cocaine to Wenatchee to be sold, according to the sheriff’s office.

Homeland Security Investigations contacted local sheriff’s detectives, who assisted with the investigation. After identifying the men, law enforcement personnel coordinated with East Cascade SWAT to conduct a vehicle stop on westbound Highway 2 near School Street in Wenatchee near Sunnyslope.

Investigators reported locating the cocaine inside the vehicle during the operation. The sheriff’s office credited cooperation among the participating local and federal agencies and thanked Homeland Security Investigations for its continued partnership.

Andrew Simpson: 509-433-7626 or andrew@ward.media