On Tuesday July 26th, the Mount Vernon Police Department served a search warrant at a residence in the 1300 block of South 3rd street. This case stemmed from reports of drug activity occurring in and around this residence.

Complaints of suspected drug activity date back to the summer of 2004 and include: high foot and vehicle traffic; people who appear to be under the influence coming and going from the residence and suspected drug use and selling.

Over the last year Mount Vernon Police have made several attempts to correct the problems originating from the residence. Tactics have included education and enforcement including increased patrol, contact with the home owner, occupants & visitors of the property and neighbors.

The search of the residence discovered drug paraphernalia, scales and empty wrappers used to contain drugs.

The home owner, a 51 year old Mount Vernon man, was booked into the Skagit County jail for investigation of Illegal Use of a Building for Drug Purposes as well as Possession of Drug Paraphernalia.

Two females contacted at the residence at the time of the search were arrested for misdemeanor warrants and booked into the Skagit County jail.

Code Enforcement for the City of Mount Vernon was called to the scene and will be following up on code violations at the residence.

Police will be following up on this case in an attempt to ensure that the drug problems associated with this residence do not resurface.

Ken Bergsma
Lieutenant