SPD & DEA arrest 20 suspects in large drug trafficking ring
Posted by Detective Jeff Kappel
Conspirators Distributed Kilo Quantities of Cocaine, Methamphetamine and Heroin
Twenty people are in custody following the coordinated take down of a lengthy investigation into a cocaine, methamphetamine, and heroin trafficking ring that stretched from San Francisco to Vancouver, Canada, announced U.S. Attorney Jenny A. Durkan.
The investigation, which utilized court authorized wire taps, revealed how the conspirators brought multi-kilo loads of cocaine, heroin and methamphetamine into the Seattle area from California, and distributed it in Western Washington, or sent it north into Canada.
Search warrants were executed today on 18 residences or businesses and multiple vehicles. Law enforcement seized 24 pounds of methamphetamine, cocaine, crack cocaine and $35,000 in cash.
Over the course of the Drug Enforcement Administration and Seattle Police Department investigation, law enforcement seized more than $700,000 in cash, 11 kilos of cocaine, 40 pounds of methamphetamine, and four firearms.
“Organizations that think we cannot track their crimes across borders are wrong. We will use all of our tools to shut down their operations and seize their profits,” said U.S. Attorney Jenny A. Durkan. “I commend the tremendous collaboration by federal, state and local law enforcement in disrupting this drug ring.”
“Today, over 24 pounds of methamphetamine was seized from one vehicle in this investigation, which has an estimated street value of over $1 million,” said DEA Special Agent in Charge Matthew G. Barnes. “This investigation illustrates the defendants’ ill-will and disregard for our community. I want to commend the professionalism and commitment of the Seattle Police Department and the other agencies involved.”
“Working together with our federal law enforcement partners in the DEA and other local agencies, we were able to intercept a significant amount of dangerous drugs before they hit Seattle streets. It is noteworthy that this operation was made possible due to information obtained during a routine ‘buy-bust’ conducted by Seattle Police officers and detectives. This is another example of how ordinary police work combined with law enforcement partnerships can yield exceptional results,” said Seattle Police Chief John Diaz.
The defendants are charged with various federal crimes including conspiracy to distribute controlled substances and/or conspiracy to engage in money laundering.
$35,000 cash
24 pounds of methamphetamine
Posted: January 25th, 2012 under General, Investigations.