A Dozen Arrested In Crack Cocaine Sting

Police arrested a dozen people on drug charges after raids on homes in Pasco and Kennewick, concluding a 10-month investigation of crack cocaine sales.

Undercover officers with the Tri-City Metro Drug Task Force allegedly purchased crack cocaine 50 to 60 times from dealers at Kurtzman Park in Pasco since the investigation began last spring.

Pasco Police Chief Denis Austin said Tuesday that federal prosecutors are investigating possible organized gang connections.

“It’s been one of the largest (busts) in the last few years as far as arrests,” said Sgt. Jim Raymond with the Metro task force.

Tuesday’s roundup followed a recent federal grand jury indictment of 17 people in connection with crack sales.

In the arrests, officers seized $14,000 in cash, an assault rifle, three shotguns, seven handguns and a small amount of marijuana and crack cocaine.