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Published on January 15, 2025
Five Men Indicted for Operating Major Drug Distribution Network in Seattle's "The Jungle" and International DistrictSource: Unsplash/Scott Rodgerson

Five local men face federal charges for running a drug operation in Seattle’s homeless encampments and the International District, distributing fentanyl, methamphetamine, and other drugs. The investigation, which included wiretaps and undercover work, led to major drug seizures. "The Seattle Police Department, the FBI, DEA, and other law enforcement partners have worked tirelessly to identify members of this drug ring who are peddling drugs in the International District and homeless encampments," said U.S. Attorney Tessa M. Gorman. Some of the suspects were found with firearms, and intercepted communications suggested threats of violence, according to the U.S. Attorney's Office.

The five men indicted include residents from Seattle and its surrounding areas: Tommy Pham, aged 37 from Newcastle; Donfeuy Saephan and Khampheth Keodara, both from Seattle and aged 54 and 42, respectively; Sang Tran, 54, from Kent; and Theodore Nation, 35, also from Seattle. As part of the arrests, authorities seized an arsenal of 17 firearms and over 23 kilos of suspected fentanyl powder — enough to produce a staggering 1.7 million doses.

Law enforcement’s intervention in "the Jungle" and other areas resulted in the dismantling of a significant threat to public health and safety. Seattle Police Chief Sue Rahr lauded the joint efforts, stating in the press release, "The Seattle Police Department will continue to take the necessary steps to continue ensuring our city is safe and welcoming for all." While these men face long prison sentences, the communities impacted by drugs continue to experience significant challenges, as reported by the U.S. Attorney's Office.

"Together with our partners, the FBI will continue to pursue drug trafficking organizations and remove dangerous individuals from our communities to keep Seattle and Washington state safer," said FBI Seattle’s Special Agent in Charge, W. Mike Herrington. The accused face serious charges, including a mandatory ten-year sentence for conspiracy, though they are presumed innocent until proven guilty. This case is part of the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) initiative, targeting top drug traffickers. The FBI, Seattle Police, DEA, and IRS-CI led the investigation, with prosecution by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Casey Conzatti and Brian Wynne, as stated by the U.S. Attorney's Office.