Auburn, WA – Federal and local law enforcement agencies have arrested ten suspects, including two Auburn residents, following a large-scale drug and firearm trafficking operation that spanned multiple counties in Western Washington. The year-long investigation, led by the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) and Seattle Police Department (SPD), culminated in the arrests on October 28, according to U.S. Attorney Charles Neil Floyd.
The Operation: Drugs and Firearms Seized Across Western Washington
Authorities identified the two Auburn suspects as Marisol Perez-Diaz, 23, and Jordan Martinez Gamez, 23. Both were allegedly part of three interrelated criminal conspiracies involved in the distribution of fentanyl, cocaine, methamphetamine, and heroin, as well as the illegal trafficking of firearms.
“These defendants were trafficking fentanyl, cocaine, methamphetamine, and heroin on the streets of Western Washington,” said U.S. Attorney Floyd. “These drugs take a heavy toll on our community. Worse yet, this group trafficked in dozens of firearms – some of them high-powered, assault-style weapons. Yesterday alone, law enforcement seized 34 firearms.”
The arrests were made after simultaneous search warrants were executed at 12 different locations, including homes, vehicles, and a stash property in Centralia, linked to Jose Isabel Sandoval Zuniga, one of the suspected ringleaders.
At the Centralia property, agents recovered 25 kilograms of suspected fentanyl powder, over 90,000 fentanyl pills, and two dozen firearms. When Zuniga was taken into custody, authorities also found 1.6 kilograms of fentanyl in his vehicle and additional heroin, fentanyl, and a loaded .45 caliber semiautomatic pistol at his Sammamish residence.
Investigation and Evidence: DEA, SPD, and Federal Partners Collaborate
The DEA Seattle Field Division, working closely with SPD and other law enforcement partners, described the group as a Transnational Criminal Organization (TCO) operating across Lewis, King, Snohomish, and Pierce counties.
“This heavily armed Transnational Criminal Organization threatened all of Western Washington by trafficking guns and fentanyl from Lewis County to Snohomish County,” said David F. Reames, Special Agent in Charge of the DEA Seattle Field Division. “Our entire region is safer today because of the efforts of DEA and our partners, who literally risked their lives to confront this threat to our communities.”
The October 28 arrests resulted in the seizure of an enormous cache of drugs and weapons:
- 100,000 fentanyl pills
- 34 kilograms of fentanyl powder
- 3.7 kilograms of methamphetamine
- Nearly 1 kilogram of heroin
- 8.7 kilograms of cocaine
- $40,000 in cash
The firearms seized included both handguns and assault-style rifles, many of which were believed to be trafficked to other criminal organizations. Investigators said the group was responsible for distributing tens of thousands of fentanyl pills across Western Washington, contributing to the region’s ongoing opioid crisis.
Statements from Law Enforcement and Officials
Law enforcement leaders praised the coordination between federal, state, and local agencies that led to the dismantling of the network.
“This violent organization not only trafficked dangerous drugs but was responsible for putting firearms on our city streets,” said Seattle Police Chief Shon Barnes. “I’m thankful for the great work of our Seattle Police officers and our federal partners.”
Officials emphasized that the combined law enforcement effort was critical in preventing further drug distribution and reducing gun violence in Western Washington.
Photographs released by the U.S. Attorney’s Office showed rows of confiscated weapons and boxes of narcotics, underscoring the scale of the operation.
Background Context: Western Washington’s Ongoing Fentanyl Crisis
Federal officials have repeatedly warned of the growing presence of fentanyl in Western Washington communities. The synthetic opioid, which is up to 50 times stronger than heroin, has been linked to a surge in fatal overdoses statewide.
Authorities said the seizure of more than 34 kilograms of fentanyl powder and 100,000 pills likely prevented hundreds of thousands of potential overdoses. Law enforcement continues to target regional trafficking cells connected to Mexican cartels responsible for funneling fentanyl and weapons across the border.
Ongoing Developments and Next Steps
All ten suspects, including Perez-Diaz and Gamez, are expected to face federal charges in the Western District of Washington. Prosecutors are pursuing charges related to drug trafficking, firearm possession, and conspiracy.
The investigation remains active as agents trace financial transactions and supply routes tied to the organization. Additional arrests may follow in the coming weeks as officials pursue higher-level members of the network.
“Our work is far from over,” U.S. Attorney Floyd said. “We will continue to dismantle these violent organizations and hold every participant accountable.”
Conclusion
The arrests of ten suspects, including two from Auburn, mark a major victory in the fight against drug and gun trafficking in Western Washington. Authorities say the operation’s success demonstrates the power of collaboration and the ongoing commitment to keeping fentanyl and illegal firearms off local streets.
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