Complaints lead to drug arrests in Hoquiam

Reports from neighbors led to the arrest in Hoquiam of two people allegedly involved with small-scale methamphetamine sales.

Detectives with the Grays Harbor Drug Task Force, along with Hoquiam Police Department officers and Grays Harbor County Sheriff’s Office deputies, served a search warrant relating to a suspected drug operation at a home in the 200 block of K Street in Hoquiam Thursday morning, Hoquiam Police Chief Jeff Myers.

The resident, a 34-year-old Hoquiam woman, was arrested on suspicion of multiple drug offenses. A 28-year-old Hoquiam man who had been staying there was arrested for probation violations and may face additional drug charges.

Other people in the home were checked for outstanding warrants and released, Myers said.

“This investigation stemmed from numerous neighborhood complaints to the Hoquiam Police Department of heavy foot and vehicle traffic to and from the residence,” Myers said. “These complaints were forwarded to the Drug Task Force, which initiated an undercover investigation.”

Because of the condition of the home, and because it had no electrical service, Myers said it likely will be condemned by the Hoquiam Building Department.

“Anyone who returns will be arrested for trespassing once the premises is posted ‘unsafe to occupy,’ ” Myers added.

The woman’s derelict vehicle was also impounded from the street in front of the house.

“One of our three department focus points is targeting drug dealers and drug locations,” Myers said. “The Drug Task Force took on this location, based on citizen concerns, and developed a case that will hopefully resolve the problem.”