4 people arrested in connection with drug trafficking conspiracy

SEATTLE — The Drug Enforcement Administration, the Seattle Police Department and IRS Criminal Investigation arrested four people Monday in connection with a drug trafficking conspiracy, according to U.S. Attorney Tessa M. Gorman.

Law enforcement executed 24 search and arrest warrants, leading to four arrests.

Officials said the drug conspirators had ties to suppliers in Mexico and Colombia. Local law enforcement agencies in these countries are assisting in the investigation of this matter.

Throughout the investigation, authorities “seized 84,000 fentanyl pills, more than a kilogram of fentanyl powder, 32 kilograms of cocaine, 15 kilograms of methamphetamine, nearly three kilograms of heroin, nine firearms fire and $71,000 in drug proceeds.”

“Where possible, we try to trace both the origin of the drugs and the money that goes to those who supply them,” Gorman said. “I am pleased with the collaborative work between law enforcement not only in the United States, but also with our partners in Colombia, whose collective efforts have significantly dented this particular drug supply chain. »

The four people arrested include a Mexican citizen male residing in Kent, a U.S. citizen male residing in Tukwila, a Mexican citizen male residing in Renton, and a Mexican citizen male residing in Renton. of Columbia and resides in Plainfield, New Jersey.

KOMO News is not naming the men who were arrested because they have not been formally charged.

On Monday, authorities “recovered nine weapons, including an AK-47, 2.5 kilograms of cocaine and a pound of methamphetamine.”

Authorities identified one of the men as a major drug supplier when he was stopped by law enforcement with 12 pounds of methamphetamine in his vehicle. Police also found him with $10,000 in drug proceeds and a stolen firearm.

The investigation is being conducted by the SPD and the DEA. In court, the cases are being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Joe Silvio and C. Andrew Colasurdo in the Western District of Washington.

“This operation is a fantastic example of collaborative work between the Seattle Police Department, DEA, IRS and the Colombian National Police,” said Seattle Police Chief Sue Rahr. “This case demonstrates how the Seattle Police Department will work tirelessly with our law enforcement partners nationally and internationally to make our community safer.”