Seattle's streets just got a little safer as a major drug trafficker and his subordinate were caught in the act by the Seattle police narcotics detectives and their SWAT team. In a press release shared by the SPD Blotter, authorities detailed the arrests and seizures, which included a substantial quantity of narcotics, firearms, and cash. Investigators first apprehended a 45-year-old suspect and his 20-year-old accomplice on Jan. 24 in Everett, Washington, after which an extensive search unearthed over nine kilograms of fentanyl and smaller amounts of cocaine, crack, methamphetamine, plus a 9mm semi-auto pistol.
The seriousness of this bust can't be overstated when considering the lethal potential of the confiscated fentanyl. A kilogram of this synthetic opioid has the power to cause up to 500,000 overdose deaths, according to the Drug Enforcement Administration. The suspects in question had in their possession over 9.2 kilograms.
Seattle police conducted further raids last Monday in Montlake Terrace, where they detained a 51-year-old suspect who appeared to be the orchestrator of this illegal venture. Inside his apartment and a separate drug lab, detectives found additional quantities of fentanyl, meth, cash, a firearm, and packing equipment. This convicted felon now faces the possibility of federal prosecution for his role in manufacturing and distributing the narcotics.
According to information from the SPD Blotter, law enforcement believes these arrests will severely impact the flow of deadly drugs into the community.
