Eastside Narcotics Task Force arrests man with 149 pounds of marijuana in Issaquah

By CELESTE GRACEY
Issaquah Reporter Staff Writer
December 16, 2010 · Updated 1:29 PM 

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Police arrested a 38-year-old man who was caught trying to transport 149 pounds of marijuana from Issaquah to Chicago.

Following a detailed tip, the Eastside Narcotics Task Force staked out a hotel in Issaquah for Dec. 8-9.

After the man left the hotel in his car, police arrested him on I-90 between Preston and North Bend.

A search warrant was issued and the Washington State Patrol Narcotics K-9 team assisted in the arrest.

"Anything we can do to make a dent in their profits and keep the product from getting to the street is well worth it,” said ENTF Capt. Steve Lynch in a press release.

So far only one man has been arrested, but it could lead to more, said spokesperson Carla Iafrate with the Bellevue Police Department.

The marijuana had a street value of about $500,000. The suspect, who is from Golden Valley, Minnesota, was also carrying about $15,000 cash.

“This was a great case by a dedicated unit who made this arrest and seizure. These types of drug trafficking cases are often tied to larger criminal enterprises," said ENTF Capt. Steve Lynch.

The Issaquah Police Department didn't participate in the stake out.

The ENTF is a partnership of the King County Sheriff’s Office, Washington State Patrol and police departments from Bellevue, Kirkland, Mercer Island and Redmond.

Contact Issaquah Reporter Staff Writer Celeste Gracey at cgracey@issaquahreporter.com or 425-391-0363.

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