By RAELYNN RICARTE
News staff writer
September 27, 2007

Detectives from the Mid-Columbia Interagency Narcotics Task Force have arrested four individuals for alleged involvement in a Hood River drug operation.

Joana Isabel Ramirez, 23, and Ruben Enriquez Alejandrez, 30, were taken into custody at their 1695 Oak St. apartment on Sept. 14. They were charged with Possession and Delivery of Methamphetamine and Possession of Cocaine.

Two men visiting the residence were also arrested and lodged in jail after being accused of criminal activity.

Ricardo Morena-Espinoza, 22, and Noe Enriquez, 28, were charged with Possession of Meth. In addition, Moreno-Espinoza faces penalties for violating his probation and Enriquez was served with an outstanding arrest warrant from Morrow County.

“I’m pleased to see that MINT team investigations are back on track,” said Hood River District Attorney John Sewell.

Last spring he protested Police Chief Bruce Ludwig’s decision to remove the city’s undercover officer from MINT because of a $17.34 accounting error. Sewell was concerned about public safety when MINT investigations came to a halt in the local area. The detective from the Hood River County Sheriff’s Office, who no longer had a partner, was working with his peers in Wasco County for several months.

Ludwig eventually conceded to Sewell’s request that the city jumpstart MINT operations by reappointing the experienced detective. The chief made that decision after the officer he chose for a replacement placed a drunken call to the 9-1-1 Dispatch Center and revealed that he was serving with MINT over a public line. He also provided the name of the Oregon State Police trooper on the MINT team.

The city’s narcotics specialist (name withheld for security reasons) who returned to duty with MINT in early August was also pleased about the recent arrests. He said a controlled buy led to the seizure of the illegal substances. He said it is gratifying to have, once again, reduced drug activity within the Hood River community.

“It’s good to be back in business,” he said.

The investigation into the recent case is continuing. Anyone with additional information about the four suspects is encouraged to contact the confidential MINT tip line at 386-7034 in Hood River and (541) 296-1885 in The Dalles.