SPD conducts search, arrests man on substance charge

SANDPOINT — After searching a residence in north Sandpoint Monday, Sandpoint Police arrested a 47-year-old man — Anthony Noell Viola — on a charge of possession of a controlled substance. 

According to a press release from the department, the search yielded substances suspected to be cocaine, methamphetamines, marijuana, and mushrooms, along with drug-related paraphernalia.

Sandpoint Police Chief Corey Coon reported that the operation went as planned and that the department had been aware of concerns surrounding the residence “for a while.”  

According to Coon, the department recently obtained information that enabled it to secure the search warrant executed on Monday. 

The search took place at approximately 12:40 p.m. at a home in the 700 block of Sixth Avenue near Super 1 Foods. 

Viola was transported to Bonner County Jail and has been charged with three felony counts of possession of a controlled substance with the intent to deliver.

Coon encouraged community members to report suspicious behavior around properties like excessive foot traffic, loitering, and strange smells to their local law enforcement agencies. 

The investigation is ongoing.