News Release
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
June 21, 2006

17 Arrested in Tri-County Drug Crackdown
Feds Target Two Drug Distribution Groups Selling Heroin and Cocaine

One of three vehicles found with hidden compartments.

(SEATTLE) -- A task force led by the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) conducted early morning searches and arrests in North King County, South Snohomish County, and Skagit County in connection with two federal indictments of organized drug traffickers. Coordinated warrants and arrests were also conducted in Gresham, Oregon. According to records filed in the case, the rings were dealing cocaine and heroin, sometimes providing delivery service to the homes of their customers in the three county area.

Agents from DEA and the South Snohomish County Narcotics Task Force identified 39 homes and vehicles to be searched as part of the sweep this morning. Arrest warrants were issued for 19 people who are alleged to be key players in the drug rings. An additional five individuals were expected to be arrested on related State drug charges. Those arrested this morning will make their initial appearances in U.S. District Court in Seattle at 2:30 this afternoon. Those indicted in federal court in connection with the Galindo-Zurita drug ring include:

JOSE GALINDO-ZURITA, 35, Seattle, WA
JUANA GARCIA-RODRIGUEZ, 24, Gresham, OR
MARCELA RODRIGUEZ-ZURITA, 33, Edmonds, WA
JADE MEDINA-PARRA, Seattle, WA
KAREN CREECH, 47, Shoreline, WA
RHONDA SCHWEITZER, 48, Edmonds, WA
JEFFREY DAVID FRENCH, 45, Edmonds, WA
MARY HANDY, 37, Stanwood, WA
TERRY TODD RAYMOND, 45, Poulsbo, WA

Those indicted in federal court in connection with the COLOSIO-DUSSAN drug ring include:

EDGARDO COLOSIO DUSSAN, 32, Everett, WA
FREDDY MASCERANAS-RODRIGUEZ, 23, Lynnwood, WA
RAMIRO FLORENTINO MARTINEZ, 24, Mount Vernon, WA
STEVEN BRUCE MCKAY, 48, Lynnwood, WA
OSCAR VASQUEZ-CRUZ, 19, Lynnwood, WA
OSVOLDO SORIANO-SILVA, 21, Lynnwood, WA
SPENCER WYDELL WOODS, 18, Seattle, WA
DIOGENES AUSTUDILLO ZINSER, 31, Mount Vernon, WA
JACIEL ORANGA ZUNIGA, 37, Lynnwood, WA

These related drug organizations were the subject of lengthy investigations including court authorized wire taps. Investigators monitored thousands of calls where drug dealers and customers spoke in codes, ordered drugs, tested drugs for ring leaders, and arranged drug sales to others.

In the course of these investigations law enforcement seized approximately 10 pounds of heroin, 6 kilos of cocaine, 200 grams of meth, fourteen vehicles (two equipped with hidden compartments) and as much as $160,000 in cash.

DEA Seattle Field Division Special Agent in Charge Rodney Benson said, "during the past month, the Drug Enforcement Administration and our partners in law enforcement have announced the culmination of several major law enforcement operations targeting poly-drug trafficking organizations operating throughout the northwest, which has resulted in the arrest of more than 400 individuals. While all these cases are not directly linked, these law enforcement actions show our commitment to dismantle the groups responsible for the flow of illegal drugs into our communities. During today's enforcement activity more than 15 minors were identified and removed from houses searched by agents and officers, highlighting the negative impact drug trafficking has on the most vulnerable - children."

An indictment contains allegations that have not yet been proven at trial beyond a reasonable doubt.

This was an Organized Crime and Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) investigation, with supplemental federal funding provided to the federal and state agencies involved. The case was investigated by agents and officers of the DEA , the South Snohomish County Narcotics Task Force (which includes detectives from the cities of Edmonds, Lynnwood, and Mountlake Terrace, and the Snohomish County Sheriff’s Department), the Washington State Department of Corrections, and the Washington State Patrol. The investigation was assisted by the Bureau of Immigration and Customs Enforcement and the United States Marshal’s Service. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Sarah Vogel.

For additional information please contact Emily Langlie, Public Affairs Officer for the United States Attorney’s Office, at (206) 553-4110.