DEA Archived Press Releases

Press Releases before January 20, 2025
9 Results - Showing 1 to 9
PRESS RELEASE

Eleven indicted in wide-ranging conspiracy trafficking heroin, cocaine, and methamphetamine in multi-state area

SEATTLE – Eleven people have been indicted by a grand jury sitting in the Western District of Washington for a multi-state drug trafficking conspiracy. One of those indicted is a rap artist from Snohomish County, Washington, who discussed his drug trafficking activity in a documentary video. All of those in...
PRESS RELEASE

Eight drug traffickers indicted for distributing heroin, methamphetamine, and fentanyl throughout the Puget Sound region

SEATTLE - Eight people who were charged in a wide-ranging drug investigation that resulted in the seizure of significant quantities of suspected fentanyl, heroin, and methamphetamine were arrested earlier today. All those arrested appeared in U.S. District Court in Seattle today. “The rising numbers of fentanyl overdoses is on the...
PRESS RELEASE

Felon arrested at Puyallup motel pleads guilty to drug and gun crimes

SEATTLE - A federal felon, arrested for violating his supervised release, faces new prison time following his guilty plea to drug and gun possession charges. Joshua Lobben, 32, pleaded guilty today in U.S. District Court in Tacoma to possession of methamphetamine with intent to distribute and possession of a firearm...
PRESS RELEASE

35 defendants to include the ring leader charged in major take down of international drug trafficking organization based in Lane County

PORTLAND, Ore. - Members of a major international drug trafficking organization, including one of its ringleaders and sources of supply from Mexico, have been charged with distributing methamphetamine, heroin, and fentanyl into Oregon between 2018 and 2020. A federal grand jury in Eugene has returned a one-count indictment charging Victor...
PRESS RELEASE

Coordinated opioid fentanyl outreach initiative for the greater Spokane and Tri-Cities communities announced

SPOKANE, Wash., - On October 21 - 22, 2020, United States Attorney William Hyslop and DEA Special Agent in Charge Keith Weis announced a coordinated Opioid Fentanyl Outreach initiative by federal, state and local law enforcement agencies, community leaders, prevention specialists and school superintendents in Spokane and the Tri-Cities areas...
PRESS RELEASE

Nineteen indicted in cartel-connected drug trafficking conspiracy

SEATTLE - Fifteen people were arrested today throughout the Puget Sound region and in California following an 18-month investigation of a drug trafficking organization tied to the CJNG cartel in Mexico. Defendants arrested today made their initial appearance in U.S. District Court in Seattle. The South Sound Streets are safer...
PRESS RELEASE

Two Whatcom County men charged in fentanyl drug distribution scheme

SEATTLE - Two Bellingham, Washington, residents made their initial appearance today in U.S. District Court in Seattle following their arrest on May 28, 2020, for distributing fake oxycodone tablets tainted with fentanyl. Troy J. Klander, 38, and Zachary D. Salas, 38, are charged with conspiracy to possess fentanyl with intent...
PRESS RELEASE

Prolific Snohomish County fentanyl dealer sentenced to 15 years in prison

SEATTLE - The head of a drug distribution ring who was convicted at trial of drug and gun crimes was sentenced today in U.S. District Court in Seattle to15 years in prison, announced U.S. Attorney Brian T. Moran. Rhett Irons, 41, of Lynnwood, Washington was convicted on December 12, 2019...
PRESS RELEASE

Skagit County business owner sentenced to prison for laundering money for drug cartel that trafficked heroin and fentanyl

SEATTLE -- A Skagit County resident who operated businesses in Burlington and Sedro Woolley, Washington was sentenced on Jan. 17, 2020, in U.S. District Court in Tacoma to 18 months in prison for his role in knowingly laundering cash drug proceeds for a drug cartel. Orlando Barajas, 41, owns and...