A 37-year-old man with a history of drug offenses has been indicted on numerous federal charges. Dennis Aguilar Huisa, who was residing at a motel in Des Moines, Washington, faces four counts of possession of controlled substances with intent to distribute, one count of possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking offense, and one count of money laundering. This comes after he was arrested twice last fall for having significant amounts of fentanyl and other drugs, along with a firearm, according to the U.S. Attorney’s Office.
Huisa’s run-ins with the law began on August 15, 2023, when Puyallup Police approached him about a vehicle with mismatched license plates. The initial police contact led to the discovery of approximately 1,000 fentanyl pills and suspected fentanyl powder, along with drug paraphernalia, as reported by the U.S. Attorney’s Office. Following an impoundment of the vehicle, the police unearthed these items, pointing to drug distribution activities.
Subsequent incidents further implicated Huisa in drug-related activities. On September 7, 2024, officials were called to a distressing scene where a nine-month-old infant, suspected of fentanyl exposure, was unresponsive. Huisa and a woman held the child, who they had administered two doses of Narcan to. After granting permission to search the vicinity, authorities found more blue fentanyl pills in Huisa’s possession, along with a substantial sum of cash. The child was hospitalized and tested positive for multiple drugs, but survived the ordeal and was placed into the care of Child Protective Services, as stated by the U.S. Attorney’s Office.
Finally, on November 1, 2024, Auburn Police Department’s Special Investigations Unit executed a search warrant at Huisa’s motel room, uncovering packages of fentanyl powder and more narcotics. The same box truck previously involved held an even larger supply of fentanyl powder, in addition to a 'ghost gun' – a weapon manufactured without a serial number, as stated by the U.S. Attorney's Office.
The accused has not yet responded to the charges in court, but the indictment highlights growing concerns about fentanyl distribution in local communities. As the case continues, more details are expected to reveal the extent of the alleged trafficking and its effect on the area.
