Federal agents say a drug deal that was supposed to unfold quietly in western Washington instead turned into a high-stakes sting that netted roughly 20 pounds of cocaine and federal charges for four people. The takedown grew out of undercover work that began last summer and was run by a multi-agency Homeland Security task force. During the attempted swap, two suspects ditched a vehicle, and investigators later used search warrants that they say turned up more drugs and firearms. The lead defendant was ordered held in federal custody earlier this month.
According to a press release from the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Washington, Homeland Security Investigations led the probe and agents uncovered plans to trade about 20 pounds of cocaine for 15 pounds of methamphetamine and roughly $155,000 in cash. The release says searches of vehicles and residences turned up more than 10 kilograms of suspected cocaine and a 9mm firearm, and that the DEA, FBI and Whatcom County deputies assisted with the operation. The U.S. Attorney's Office notes that the drug quantities involved carry a mandatory minimum prison term of ten years under federal law.
#ICYMI #MakingTheCaseMonday @DEASeattlediv @HSISeattle investigation led to the seizure of approx. 20lbs of cocaine intended to be exchanged for 15lbs of meth and $155,000. Individuals were federally charged. https://x.com/i/status/2020991229538992603
— DEA Seattle (@deaseattlediv) Feb 9, 2026
How investigators say the swap unfolded
Local reporting and the federal criminal complaint indicate that undercover agents first contacted the alleged ringleader in July, when they bought fentanyl outside a Bellingham coffee shop. Investigators then set up a cocaine deal in mid September that brought additional suspects into the mix. Whatcom County deputies and federal agents tailed the group and later impounded vehicles that were searched under warrant. Deputies report finding about 20 pounds of cocaine wrapped in plastic printed with Marvel’s Thor, along with a 9mm pistol in a vehicle’s center console. Lorena Esquivel was arrested at a trailer park in early January, and Dustin Binion was already in custody from an unrelated October arrest, according to Cascadia Daily News.
Legal implications
The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Washington says the lead defendant, Luis Donaldo Galeana Garcia, 29, was ordered detained after a magistrate judge found him to be both a flight risk and a danger to the community. Prosecutors say the defendants face a mandatory minimum of ten years in prison if they are convicted. Assistant U.S. Attorney Vincent Lombardi is handling the case in federal court. The charges are allegations and the defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty.
Regional context
Prosecutors say the arrests and seizure are part of a broader Homeland Security Task Force push in western Washington that brings federal agencies together with local law enforcement to target transnational drug supply networks. HSI and its partner agencies have carried out multiple recent operations that resulted in large meth and cocaine seizures and a series of indictments, according to a press release from U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement.
Federal court filings in the case are still pending and more hearings are expected as it moves forward. For additional details on the original announcement and the charges, see coverage from FOX13 Seattle.
