WILLISTON – Two Williston men have been arrested and charged after a Northwest Narcotics Task Force search of a local hotel resulted in the seizure of a large quantity of methamphetamine.

The Williston Police Department assisted the task force with the Sept. 14 raid, after receiving information about drugs being stored inside the hotel room. Law enforcement ultimately seized nine pounds of suspected methamphetamine, $2,100 in cash and two firearms. The estimated street value of the drugs is $144,000 according to investigators.

Two men, Jason Ruiz, 39, and William Moen, 31, both of Red Bluff, California, were both arrested and charged with identical counts of possession of a controlled substance (methamphetamine) with intent to deliver more than 50 grams, a Class A felony, and unlawful possession of drug paraphernalia, a Class A misdemeanor. Law enforcement officials said Ruiz and Moen bonded out of custody on Sept. 18 and that the investigation continues as further charges are being sought for other individuals believed to be involved.

The pair’s preliminary hearing is scheduled for Nov. 8 and a jury trial for early next year.