EVERETT — Four Everett men were named in a federal indictment Monday for their alleged involvement in a cartel-connected drug distribution ring to distribute fentanyl, methamphetamine, cocaine, and heroin throughout western Washington, according to a press release.
The four were among 19 indicted in connection with the ring that made deals as far north as Whidbey Island and Arlington and as far south as Tacoma and Lacey, the press release said. The drug traffickers transported narcotics from Mexico via California, sometimes using a semi-truck to bring the drugs up the coast.
Aaron Knapp, 52, and John Hardman, 57, of Everett, were charged with conspiracy and possession of controlled substances with intent to distribute, the release said. Karim Davis, 48, and Alex Phan, 19, of Everett, were indicted as redistributors.
On Aug. 4, law enforcement found more than 2 kilograms of fentanyl pills in Knapp’s residence. Hardman’s residence contained a brick of suspected fentanyl powder stamped with a swastika and $50,000 in cash, according to the release.
Derel Gabelein, 37, of Whidbey Island, was charged with conspiracy and possession of controlled substances with intent to distribute, the release said. Law enforcement seized bags of methamphetamine, fentanyl and other controlled substances from his residence.
“This Sinaloa Cartel-affiliated drug trafficking group brought misery and death to our community,” said David F. Reames, Special Agent in Charge, DEA Seattle Field Division. “The work of DEA and our partners seized hundreds of pounds of methamphetamine and fentanyl from this group that could have yielded a staggering 6.9 million lethal doses. This fentanyl could have killed everyone living in the Seattle-Tacoma metro area. The entire Puget Sound region is safer without the Camargo Banuelos brothers poisoning our communities.”
The ring is led by Rosario Abel “Joaquin” Camargo Banuelos, 31, and his brother Francisco “Fernando” Camargo Banuelos, 24, the release said. The brothers are based in the Sinaloa area of Mexico.
During the Aug. 4 arrests and searches, law enforcement seized seven pistols, three rifles, 9 kilograms of methamphetamine, more than 5 kilograms of fentanyl, nearly 4 kilograms of cocaine and more than a kilogram of heroin, the release said. Law enforcement seized more than $342,000 in suspected drug trafficking proceeds.
Four additional defendants were arrested during the August searches, bringing the total number to 19, the release said. They are charged by criminal complaint with being part of the drug trafficking conspiracy. Five defendants are charged with firearm violations.
Thirteen defendants are in custody, and law enforcement is searching for the remaining six, the release said.
Past seizures yielded around 465 pounds of methamphetamine, 269 pounds of fentanyl, 23 pounds of cocaine, 6.4 pounds of heroin, 11 firearms and $309,522 in assets, the release said. Defendants face a mandatory minimum of 10 years in prison due to the amount of drugs involved.
The case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration and the Seattle Police Department with assistance from Homeland Security Investigations. Assistant United States Attorneys Max Shiner and Crystal Correa are prosecuting the case.
This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that utilizes the Justice Department to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations and protect communities from violent criminals, the release said.
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