Federal and local law enforcement struck a major blow against cartel-linked trafficking in the Pacific Northwest, arresting a Mexican national tied to the Sinaloa Cartel and seizing massive amounts of drugs and firearms.
On October 28, in a sweeping multi-agency operation led by the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) and Seattle Police—with tactical support from Border Patrol’s elite BORTAC unit—authorities executed search and arrest warrants across twelve locations. The year-long investigation targeted three interrelated drug and gun trafficking conspiracies.
Agents seized over 100,000 fentanyl pills, 25 kilograms of fentanyl powder, and 34 firearms. A stash house in Centralia, Washington, held the bulk of the drugs and more than two dozen weapons. Authorities arrested ten individuals, including one suspect directly connected to the Sinaloa Cartel.
U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Washington Charles Neil Floyd said, “These defendants were trafficking fentanyl, cocaine, methamphetamine, and heroin on the streets of western Washington. These drugs take a heavy toll on our community.”
He also warned of the broader danger, noting, “Worse yet, this group trafficked in dozens of firearms—some of them high-powered assault-style weapons. Yesterday alone, law enforcement seized 34 firearms.”
Border Patrol Chief Michael W. Banks highlighted the cartel connection in a post, stating that one of the suspects is a Mexican national affiliated with the Sinaloa Cartel. All arrested individuals are now facing federal charges for conspiracy to distribute narcotics and firearms.
The October operation follows a similar DEA action in August targeting cartel drug shipments through Washington using semi-trucks.
This raid underscores the growing cartel footprint in U.S. cities and the increasing intersection of deadly drugs like fentanyl with heavily armed trafficking networks. Officials say disrupting these operations is essential but caution that cartels continue to adapt and embed themselves deeper into communities.
