Drugs worth over $20,000 were seized at Bass Canyon concert

GEORGE — A concert event at the Gorge Amphitheater over the weekend sparked a major drug investigation by multiple law enforcement agencies, according to a news release from the Grant County Sheriff's Office.

“It went smoothly except for the part when the weather front moved in and the show was interrupted, resulting in 70 mph gusts that damaged stage infrastructure and shattered a windshield with flying debris,” said Kyle Foreman, GCSO spokesman.

The Interagency Narcotics Enforcement Team – also known as INET – GCSO, Moses Lake Street Crimes Unit, Washington State Patrol Cannabis Eradication Team, Law Enforcement Against Drugs Task Force and Homeland Security Investigations worked together to combat illegal drug activity at the Bass Canyon Festival at The Gorge Amphitheater.

“The drug investigations focus on the amount of drugs that are for trafficking, not the amount of drugs that you need for your own use,” Foreman said. “But it's a drug-free place because that's the policy of the amphitheater. They sell alcohol there and people are allowed to bring alcohol into the campground, but nothing else.”

According to the press release, concert events like Bass Canyon often attract drug users and dealers of illegal substances. Throughout the weekend, law enforcement seized a variety of controlled substances with an estimated street value of over $20,000.

“If it's fentanyl, molly or something similarly large, you're going to be under investigation, which means they're probably planning to traffic or sell,” Foreman said.

The concentrated efforts resulted in 15 arrests. After ten separate investigations, the suspects were charged with 68 counts of drug trafficking.

“On weekends when drug enforcement is involved, there are a comparable number of arrests,” Foreman said.

According to GCSO, due to a strong illegal drug culture, the Gorge Amphitheater has historically taken a proactive stance regarding police presence at its concerts. This was in response to numerous overdose incidents and a tragic shooting in 2023 in which the perpetrator claimed psychedelic mushrooms influenced his actions.

The 125-acre Gorge Campground accommodated 15,000 people over the weekend, with campsites set up close together.