MOSES LAKE — Two men are in jail after Moses Lake police recovered over 11 pounds of heroin and six illegally-possessed guns on Monday.
On Saturday, the Moses Lake Police Department started investigating Leo Dabalos, 50, of Moses Lake, and Andre Balderas, 34, of Moses Lake, who police believed were selling large amounts of heroin. On Monday the MLPD applied for and obtained a search warrant for a residence in the 1400 block of West Marina Drive and a converted business space in the 100 block of West Broadway Avenue.
Police reportedly arrested Balderas at the Marina Drive location and recovered steroids and $3,800 in cash. Officers arrested Dabalos at the Broadway Avenue location and recovered heroin and six firearms. At least one of the guns was an illegally-modified short-barrel shotgun, according to MLPD Capt. Mike Williams. Police say over 11 pounds of heroin in total was recovered.
Balderas was booked into the Grant County Jail for delivery of heroin and possession of steroids. Dabalos was booked for delivery of heroin, possession of heroin, six counts of felon in possession of a firearm and possession of a short-barrel shotgun. Williams said Monday’s bust puts the MLPD’s heroin and methamphetamine seizure total for the month of October at more than 50 pounds.
“That represents a street value north of $1.5 million. While the recent busts have put a dent in the local heroin trade, we have been assured that new shipments of heroin are on the way, although at a higher price. We, as well as our local user community, will be waiting,” Williams stated.
