SPOKANE, WA – As part of a months-long and ongoing illicit drug investigation, the Spokane Regional Street Crimes Unit (ReSCU-formally Safe Streets Task Force) obtained multiple search warrants for different locations last week. Two suspects were arrested, and two pill presses, along with a large and assorted amount of drugs and weapons, were seized. A commercial-style pill press was also seized and it is the first known press of this size found in connection to illegal drug distribution/sale in the Eastern District of Washington. Officials say it has the capability of making 17,000 pills per hour.
This remains an active investigation, and additional charges, including federal charges and arrests, are possible.
From the Spokane Regional Street Crimes Unit:
Last week, Regional Street Crimes Unit (ReSCU) Investigators, with the assistance of Spokane Police SWAT and Special Investigations Unit, aided by Homeland Security Investigators, served four search warrants at different locations in connection with a lengthy and ongoing illegal drug investigation.
Investigators seized two pill press machines and associated manufacturing materials. One pill press is the first known commercial-style press associated with illegal drug manufacturing/sales in the Eastern District of Washington, specifically Fentanyl. This press is believed to have the capacity to produce approximately 17,000 illicit and potentially deadly pills per hour. The second press was smaller but believed to have the capacity to produce about 2,000-3,000 pills per hour.
Due to the large amount of potentially dangerous and harmful substances located, the Washington State Department of Ecology responded to assist.
Also seized:
Firearms: 15 firearms, including some suppressed and full-auto with high-cap magazines. Additional suppressors, switches to convert semiauto guns into full-auto weapons, and pistol braces/bump stocks were also seized.
U.S. Currency: $57,469
Substances believed to be but not yet tested and verified as:
- Methamphetamine: 446 grams, approximately .98 of a pound.
- Powder (presumed Fentanyl): 2,057 grams, approximately 4.53 pounds.
- Heroin: 660 grams, approximately 1.45 pounds.
- Cocaine: 206 grams, approximately .45 pounds.
- Three additional kilogram-sized packages that remained sealed for safety will later be safely tested.
Investigators also collected assorted jewelry/watches, a USB-style bitcoin wallet, and other gold/silver items.
Timothy G. Maddox (43) was arrested and charged with Assault 1st Degree (2 counts), Assault 2nd Degree (2 counts), Unlawful Possession of a Firearm, and Drive-By Shooting as a result of an unreleased investigation.
Nicholas B. Adams (35) was arrested and charged with Possession of a Controlled Substance with Intent to Deliver/Manufacture.
This investigation is ongoing; no additional information is available to be released at this time. As facts are learned about the items seized and the specific involvement of the arrested suspects and others, additional arrests and charges, including potential federal charges, are expected.
The Regional Street Crimes Unit (ReSCU), formally Safe Streets Task Force, is a newly formed High-Intensity Drug Trafficking Area (HIDTA) initiative in the area that will focus on drug trafficking, illegal weapons, violent crimes, gang activity, and other associated street crime activity plaguing our Community.
ReSCU is comprised of federal, state, and local Investigators who work collaboratively to address crimes and criminals that threaten the safety of our Community. Member agencies include Spokane County Sheriff’s Office, Spokane Police Department, Customs and Border Protection, Alcohol, Tabacco, and Firearms, Washington State Department of Corrections, and the Drug Enforcement Administration.
