Everett drug trafficker sentenced to 20 years

SEATTLE — An Everett man who led a drug and trafficking ring was sentenced Friday to 20 years in federal prison.

Prosecutors alleged that Victor Berrelleza-Verduzco had ties to the violent Beltran-Leyva drug cartel. He and his brother were accused of smuggling methamphetamine and heroin into the U.S. from Mexico. He also tried to smuggle guns to Mexico. Law enforcement wiretapped his phone and allegedly heard him trying to obtain a rifle with a grenade launcher.

Prosecutors allege that Berrelleza-Verduzco also used violence when trying to collect drug debts and steal from rival drug dealers. Police allege that Berrelleza-Verduzco and his family were responsible for sending large amounts of money to cartel leaders, fueling their violence in Mexico.

In 2012, the Everett man was arrested at a stash house in Utah with more than a kilogram of heroin. He pleaded guilty in April to numerous federal charges.

Detectives with Lake Stevens, Snohomish and the Snohomish Regional Drug and Gang Task Force assisted federal agents with the investigation.