Eight indicted in Tri-Cities’ drug trafficking organization

KENNEWICK – An investigation that began in 2022 by the Tri-City Metro Drug Task Force (METRO) into a drug trafficking organization with gang ties, which was distributing fentanyl and methamphetamine, has resulted in the federal indictments of eight individuals.

METRO partnered with the local Drug Enforcement Administration office after the initial investigation which resulted in a significant amount of fentanyl and methamphetamine being seized. The investigation continued into 2023 in cooperation with the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Washington and the Benton and Franklin County Prosecutor’s Offices.

Through the investigation, search warrants in Kennewick, Pasco, Richland, and Benton County resulted in the seizure of 238,000 fentanyl pills,76 pounds of methamphetamine, two pounds of cocaine, $18,000 in drug proceeds, and six firearms.

The following individuals were indicted for charges ranging from conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine to possession with the intent to distribute fentanyl and arrested during the investigation: Abel Rivera, 42; Frank Humphries, 46, and Christian Rocha Centeno, 32, all from Kennewick. Teresa Sanchez, 31, of Richland; and Ricardo Martinez, 31; Lamarr Craig, 42; Travis Dammarell, 39, all of Pasco. Another individual is still outstanding.

Photo via Kennewick Police Department

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