EPHRATA, WA — Detectives with the Grant County Interagency Narcotics Enforcement Team (INET) are continuing to investigate a case involving multiple drug manufacturing operations and explosive materials found at a residence in the 15000 block of Road 9-Northwest, in unincorporated Quincy.
The investigation began on April 21 and was initially delayed when investigators discovered a hand grenade and several types of explosives at the property. The Washington State Patrol Bomb Squad later confirmed the grenade was inert. Other materials found included consumer-grade and commercial-grade fireworks, as well as explosive-making components, which were removed by the bomb squad. The fireworks were left at the scene, as there was no legal basis for their seizure.
When the investigation resumed, INET detectives and the Washington State Patrol SWAT Team uncovered and dismantled a methamphetamine lab, a DMT lab, and a psilocybin mushroom grow operation. All of these were seized as evidence. Investigators also found remnants of a marijuana grow, which was not removed due to lack of evidentiary value.
Authorities also seized 29 firearms from buildings on the property.
Ryan Besel, 43, was arrested on suspicion of manufacturing and distributing methamphetamine, DMT, and psilocybin mushrooms. He was later released from the Grant County Jail after posting $100,000 bail.
According to the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration, DMT is a potent hallucinogenic drug classified as a Schedule I controlled substance. It has no approved medical use and may only be obtained for research purposes with special authorization from both the DEA and the Food and Drug Administration.
Multiple agencies participated in the investigation and response, including the Grant County Sheriff’s Office, MACC 911, Washington State Patrol SWAT Team and Bomb Squad, Washington Department of Ecology HazMat, Grant County Fire District #3, the Northwest High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area program, and the Washington Army National Guard Counterdrug Program.
The investigation remains ongoing.