Hermiston police officers arrested two fugitives Tuesday morning and confiscated 104 tablets of what is suspected to be ecstasy, or MDMA. The cache was the first significant amount officers have seen in the recent past, according to Police Chief Daniel Coulombe.

Acting on a tip, police officers raided a residence around 4:35 a.m. at 137 N. E. Seventh St. Officers Chris Martin and Jimmy Allen arrested Emmanuel Samaniego, 20, and Tabitha Mercado, 27, both of Hermiston. Samaniego was wanted on a Union County parole warrant and Mercado had two failure to appear arrest warrants in Umatilla County.

On Samaniego, officers found about 9 ounces of what is suspected to be marijuana, 104 tablets of suspected ecstasy, drug packaging materials, $895 in cash and a loaded 25-caliber handgun.

Officers charged Samaneigo with felon in possession of a firearm, unlawful possession of MDMA, unlawful delivery of MDMA, unlawful manufacturing of MDMA, unlawful possession of marijuana, unlawful delivery of marijuana and unlawful manufacturing of marijuana.

Mercado was arrested for her failure to appear charges. Both are lodged at the Umatilla County Jail in Pendleton.

Samaniego’s bail for all charges is $87,000.

The seized drugs will be sent to the Oregon State Police Crime Lab for testing.

In a press release, Coulombe encouraged parents to diligently watch their children for signs of ecstasy use.

– Erin Mills