Large Narcotics And Gun Seizure In Ballard In September Tied To Mexican Cartel

A large amount of narcotics and illegal firearms that were seized by the FBI in Ballard, Seattle last month has been linked to a Mexican drug cartel. The FBI alongside the Seattle Police Department seized over 1,000 pounds of methamphetamine, and hundreds of thousands of fentanyl pills, with 43 guns. The drugs and guns were confiscated in a West Woodland home on Sept. 22.

According to MyBallard, U.S. Attorney Nick Brown said around 11 people were apprehended from Washington to California for trafficking illegal drugs for the cartel. Brown said the arrested individuals were hauling large amounts of meth, heroin, fentanyl, and cocaine from Mexico, slipping past border security, and distributing the goods all around the Pacific Northwest. He continued that an RV was pulled over off the highway by authorities only to find it was loaded with drugs and other contraband stuff but it did not deter the syndicate from proceeding with their usual business. Brown also mentioned a wiretap that revealed various groups continued to recruit drivers and vehicles for their operations throughout the district.

The Ballard bust, where two traffickers were arrested by the Seattle Police Department included about three pounds of powdered fentanyl with 21,000 pills, a half-pound of heroin, 23 grams of cocaine, 14 grams of meth. Around $47,000 in cash was seized as well as two shotguns, five rifles and seven handguns along with ammunition and body armor. Two of the firearms seized by authorities were reportedly stolen.

Jacob D. Galvan, a Special Agent from the DEA said in a statement that the number of dangerous narcotics seized by law enforcement was staggering. He mentioned four out of the 10 fake fentanyl pills contained a lethal dosage that was enough to kill 132,000 people. He remarked that the investigation showed how the state, local, and federal authorities are crucial to keeping their communities safe and free of harmful drugs

The U.S. Attorney’s Office said charges of conspiracy to distribute controlled substances and possession of controlled substances with intent to distribute were placed on the defendants who will likely face 10 years in prison.