Three arrested after drug investigation

Local and state law enforcement arrested three men and seized nearly a quarter pound of methamphetamine last week after a lengthy investigation, according to the Kootenai County Sheriff's Office.

KCSO, the Coeur d'Alene Police Department and state probation and parole officers worked together on the investigation. 

While conducting surveillance on a "known drug dealer" in the Coeur d'Alene area last week, police initiated a traffic stop. A K-9 allegedly alerted to the odor of controlled substances inside the vehicle, according to KCSO, and a search of the vehicle allegedly yielded methamphetamine possessed for sale.

Police arrested Anthony L. Mensik, 43, for possession of a controlled substance with intent to deliver. 

Investigators obtained a search warrant for Mensik's residence in the 800 block of North Kimberly Lane near Post Falls, where 54-year-old William Sykes also lived. During a search of the home, police allegedly found more than 1 ounce of methamphetamine and hundreds of bags used for packaging, scales and other drug paraphernalia. 

Police arrested Sykes on charges of trafficking methamphetamine and possession of a controlled substance with intent to deliver. 

According to the sheriff's office, detectives also obtained information that established probable cause to arrest a third person, Shawn C. Higgins. 

Higgins, 50, faces charges of trafficking methamphetamine and delivery of a controlled substance.