Washington State Patrol finds dangerous pesticides during anti-narcotics operation

Washington State Patrol troopers found what appear to be illegally imported pesticides during an anti-narcotics operation in Pierce County. According to news reports, the Washington State Patrol Cannabis Enforcement Response Team (CERT) and WSP Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) team served one search warrant in Bonney Lake and another in Orting following an investigation of a local marijuana-trafficking organization. During the searches, the agents discovered potentially toxic pesticides with Chinese writings on the packaging. They appeared like the warnings on other previously seized pesticides in other states that have been found to be highly toxic and potentially fatal to humans. Any cannabis treated with such pesticides would be harmful to consumers. After the discovery of the pesticides, the SWAT team considered it too risky to continue the searches and brought in HAZMAT crews to eradicate both illegal marijuana grow sites. The Tacoma-Pierce County Health Department has classified both properties as contaminated.
At the end of the operation, two Seattle residents were arrested for unlawful possession of a controlled substance with intent to deliver. The investigation remains ongoing.