Crime & Safety
Washington Drug Trafficking Bust: Seattle-to-Wenatchee Route Targeted
Wenatchee, WA – Two western Washington residents are facing felony drug charges after a coordinated federal and local law enforcement operation uncovered approximately 13 pounds of cocaine inside a ve
By Grant Holloway · 2026-10-30T10:57:54.961Z
Wenatchee, WA – Two western Washington residents are facing felony drug charges after a coordinated federal and local law enforcement operation uncovered approximately 13 pounds of cocaine inside a vehicle in Chelan County.
According to the Chelan County Sheriff 's Office, the arrests occurred Wednesday, October 28, during a joint operation involving Homeland Security Investigations, sheriff's detectives and the East Cascade SWAT team.
Authorities identified the suspects as Jose Hernandez Villegas, of SeaTac, and Alexis Mendoza, of Tacoma .
Both were arrested and booked into the Chelan County Regional Justice Center.
Investigators Target Suspected Drug Distribution Route
The arrests followed an ongoing Homeland Security Investigations investigation into suspected cocaine trafficking between the Seattle metropolitan area and Wenatchee.
Investigators developed probable cause to believe the suspects were allegedly transporting cocaine from the Seattle area for distribution in Chelan County.
Federal agents contacted local sheriff's detectives, who assisted with the operation.
SWAT Team Assists With Highway 2 Stop
After identifying the suspects, law enforcement personnel coordinated a vehicle stop on westbound State Route 2 near School Street in Wenatchee .
Both individuals were taken into custody without incident.
During the operation, investigators discovered and seized approximately six kilograms of cocaine , equivalent to roughly 13.2 pounds, inside the vehicle.
Authorities did not provide an estimated street value for the seized narcotics.
Two Face Felony Drug Charges
Hernandez Villegas and Mendoza were booked on felony charges of possession of a controlled substance with intent to deliver.
The sheriff's office credited coordination between federal investigators, local detectives and the East Cascade SWAT team for the arrests.
Officials said the operation was part of efforts to disrupt illegal drug distribution in Chelan County.
Additional information about potential court appearances or further charges was not included in the release.
Both suspects are presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.