Interagency Task Force Makes Commercial Drug Arrest (Photo) -05/08/25
The Dalles, Ore. - On May 7th, 2025 The Dalles Police and the Hood River and Wasco County Sheriff’s Offices collaborated on an investigation into commercial drug offenses in The Dalles. A warrant was served at a residence on east 9th Street that resulted in the seizure of about 143 grams of suspected cocaine and pharmaceutical pills. A handgun and tactical rifle were also seized. The rifle was reported as stolen from central Oregon. Officers and Deputies also seized $101,756.00 of suspected drug proceeds from the address.
As a result of the investigation one arrest was made. Eli S. Sarabia, age 23 of The Dalles arrested for the following charges:
- Unlawful Delivery of Cocaine in a Substantial Quantity
- Unlawful Possession of Cocaine
- Unlawful Possession of Oxycodone
- Unlawful Possession of Hydrocodone
- Tampering with Drug Records
- Theft in the First Degree
- Unlawful Possession of Firearms
Sarabia is innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. He is being held at the NORCOR Correctional Facility.
This is the first case since the restarting of the Mid-Columbia Narcotics Task Force, also known as the MINT Team. This team of detectives is dedicated to fighting drugs and associated criminal behavior in the Mid-Columbia region. The MINT Team has been inactive for a number of years. The MINT team is reactivated in a limited capacity as police administrators work to build capacity, training, equipment and expertise. Sheriff Magill said, “This case Demonstrates the ongoing need for dedicated drug enforcement in our communities. I look forward to continued collaboration with our partners and expanding this effort”. Chief Worthy said, “I’m happy to see the safe conclusion of this significant case. It highlights the value of working together and removing guns and drugs from our community”.
The Wasco County District Attorney’s office collaborated in the oversight of the case and preparation of the search warrant.
