Feds arrest alleged drug kingpin connected to Hells Angels
Published 11:41 am Friday, June 6, 2008
Federal agents announced today that they’ve arrested the kingpin of an international drug-smuggling operation with ties to the Hells Angels and alleged drug traffickers in Snohomish County.
The British Columbia man, along with three others were arrested Thursday and indicted on federal drug charges after a three-year investigation into smuggling operations that allegedly funneled thousands of pounds of cocaine and potent “BC Bud” marijuana into the U.S. An Everett man as well as another man and a woman, both from Arlington, also are named in the indictment.
Federal authorities believe the ring was smuggling dope on behalf of the Hells Angels. Drugs were hidden inside hollowed-out logs carried by trucks, within the false walls of cargo containers and vehicles loaded with commercial lumber and beauty bark. Undercover officers have seized about 1,300 pounds of cocaine, 7,000 pounds of marijuana and about $3.5 million. About 38 people have been arrested in connection with the smuggling operation.
Law enforcement seized more money and dope yesterday when the group attempted to bring a load of drugs to Ferndale in Whatcom County, according to the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Seattle. Police arrested the alleged kingpin, Robert Shannon, 38, of Maple Ridge, B.C. Devron Quast, 38, of Abbotsford, B.C., also was arrested and alleged to have been in charge of the day-to-day operations of transportation. To provide insurance to Canadian suppliers, he allegedly agreed to pay $425 for each pound of marijuana that was seized or lost during transportation into the U.S, federal authorities allege.
Shannon and Quast are expected to make their first appearance in federal court today.
Todd Gabriel, 41, of Everett, is accused of delivering loads of marijuana into western Washington and California. Chance Gerrior, 42, and Korrine Doggett, 42, both of Arlington, are accused of allowing marijuana to be stored on their property or homes.
The Snohomish Regional Drug Task Force was part of the investigation and the case is being prosecuted by special assistant U.S. Attorney Adam Cornell, who also is a Snohomish County deputy prosecutor assigned to prosecute drug cases in federal court.
