Investigation results in Kellogg drug raids

KELLOGG – After a multi-month investigation, local law enforcement agencies in Shoshone County conducted three simultaneous raids Saturday, Oct. 28 on suspected sites of drug dealing and trafficking.

The Silver Valley Drug Task Force investigation into suspected drug activity at three Kellogg locations was carried out with the Kellogg Police Department as the lead agency. The raids resulted in two immediate arrests and charges for another individual being filed. 

Four children were found at two of the three sites and methamphetamine and cocaine were seized as part of the raids.

Captain Seth Green of the Shoshone County Sheriff’s Office said that these kinds of raids can often be dangerous, but that there were no injuries as a result of this action. 

“We were working on this case for a very long time. During those raids, we located multiple large safes. One individual was charged with trafficking an illegal substance with intent to deliver an illegal substance and possession of a controlled substance,” Green said.

Christopher Jay King, 44, of Kellogg, was arrested on charges related to drug trafficking in methamphetamine, possession of cocaine, possession of drug paraphernalia with intent to deliver, possession of a controlled substance with kids present, and possession of a non-prescribed drug. Paul John Beaman, 53, of Kellogg, was arrested on charges concerning possession of a controlled substance schedule II.

Green noted that the investigation has brought scrutiny on drug trafficking connections between Spokane and Shoshone County.

The Silver Valley Drug Task Force is made up of law enforcement from the Kellogg Police, Osburn Police, Pinehurst Police, and Shoshone County Sheriff’s Office.

Kellogg Police Chief Paul Twidt said that he was encouraged by how all of the agencies have been able to work together to try and shut down drug operations in the area. 

“I think that it went extremely smooth,” Twist said.