On Sept. 1 and after months of surveillance, Granite Falls Police raided a suspected drug house on Portage Ave. in Granite Falls sending the message that this town will not put up with illegal drug trafficking.

Inside the house, which was purchased before the raid by a bank at auction, police found what looked to be illegal drugs, prescription drugs including narcotics and a myriad of stolen property.

Beginning in April, a confidential informant purchased methamphetamines at the home on Portage at least three times. The previous owner was there as the transactions were being made. He was arrested and charged with investigation of unlawful use of a building for drug purposes, he was later released on his own recognizance.

The previous owner, William Spooner, 43, has been a janitor with the Lake Stevens School District for the last 25 years and was placed on administrative leave as soon as the District found out about the arrest. He worked the swing shift at Lake Stevens High School.

“The District found out on Sept. 7., after being made aware of the arrest, he was placed on administrative leave pending our own investigation which is ongoing,” Lake Stevens School District spokesperson Arlene Hulten said. “We are working with Granite Falls Police and the Snohomish County Courts.”

Two other arrests were made that day too.

The bank purchased the home in March, however each time they tried to serve eviction notices the occupants intimidated them.

Granite Falls Police Chief Tony Domish explains that they wanted to be sure they had a strong enough case before bank officials and police shut the house down.

Neighbors have been complaining about drug deals at the home for over a decade.

“It’s a location that’s had a huge impact on our community, Granite Falls Police Chief Tony Domish said. “It has taken a lot of resources to rid the problem and we are continuing to work on others. Additional arrests are expected.”