Seattle man arrested at Bass Canyon after festivalgoer dies from suspected drug poisoning

A 28-year-old Seattle man was arrested at The Gorge Amphitheater on Sunday after a 27-year-old Olympia man died from suspected drug poisoning.

The Gorge Amphitheater was hosting a popular electronic dance music festival, Bass Canyon, when Grant County Sheriff’s Office (GCSO) detectives learned of the death at the venue, GCSO announced.

Detectives ran an undercover buy operation before arresting the suspect

GCSO’s Interagency Narcotics Enforcement Team (INET) spoke with the victim’s friends and learned that he had consumed drugs purchased from another festivalgoer.

The victim became sick after consuming the suspected controlled substances, according to witnesses, and later died at the venue’s medical facility.

INET detectives conducted an undercover operation targeting the suspect and purchased suspected illegal drugs from him. Following the transaction, investigators arrested the suspect on suspicion of one count of delivery of a controlled substance and three counts of possession of a controlled substance with intent to distribute. One count each involved cocaine, ketamine, and MDMA allegedly found in the suspect’s possession.

INET is investigating the death as a suspected controlled substance homicide, and the Grant County Coroner’s Office will perform the victim’s autopsy this week.

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