KCSO arrest nets heroin, 1 suspect

HAUSER – A woman was arrested and nearly 3 pounds of heroin was seized in a law enforcement raid Tuesday.

The Kootenai County Sheriff’s Office, along with the Kootenai County Joint Agency SWAT team, executed a search warrant at about 3 p.m. in the 9000 block of North Hauser Lake Road.

Detectives located 2.75 pounds of heroin with a street value of about $195,000. Detectives also located methamphetamine, prescription pills, a cash counting machine, three firearms, paraphernalia and items associated with the distribution of illegal drugs throughout the house.

Paula L. Riojas, 38, was arrested for trafficking heroin and unlawful possession of a firearm by a prohibited person.

Due to the criminal history of the suspect and information discovered during the investigation, the SWAT team was used to execute the search warrant. Spokane Police SWAT also assisted during the search warrant execution.