EVERETT — “Multiple suspects” were arrested last week in a drug bust at an Everett apartment complex where a drug-sniffing dog may have ingested fentanyl, according to authorities.
In fall 2022, the Skagit County Interlocal Drug Enforcement Unit reportedly discovered a drug trafficking operation based in Everett.
The operation was allegedly trafficking a large amount of fentanyl pills, powder, methamphetamine and cocaine, according to a press release from the task force. Police discovered several drug dealers reportedly operating out of an apartment near Merrill Creek Parkway in Everett.
On Thursday, police served a search warrant on the address. The drug unit and law enforcement partners seized over half a million fentanyl-laced pills, 10 kilograms of methamphetamine, 2.8 kilograms of cocaine, close to a pound of heroin, over 1 pound of fentanyl powder, six guns and $250,000 of cash.
Several suspects inside the apartment were arrested. The exact number of people arrested had not been confirmed as of Thursday. A 5-year-old child was found inside the apartment, and “removed from potentially hazardous conditions” by Child Protective Services, police said.
Drug Task Force K-9 Sully survived an apparent overdose from fentanyl while serving a search warrant in Everett, Washington, Snohomish County Sheriff’s Office said. (Photo provided by Snohomish County Sheriff’s Office)
During the search, Sully, a Snohomish County Sheriff’s Office dog trained to search for narcotics, spent about 10 minutes in the apartment, then returned to his kennel. A handler returned from searching the apartment to find the usually “very hyper Sully” unresponsive in his kennel, police said. The handler grabbed naloxone from the vehicle and gave the dog either three or four doses. The dog did not begin to wake up until arriving at the emergency room of a veterinarian’s office.
Sully’s symptoms were “consistent with fentanyl exposure,” according to the sheriff’s office.
Medical experts have published studies debunking the idea that simply being exposed to fentanyl — rather than ingesting it — is enough to overdose on the drug.
“Toxicity can not occur from simply being in proximity to the drug,” according to The American College of Medical College Toxicology and the American Academy of Clinical Toxicology.
Sully was released from the hospital that same day and has fully recovered, according to the sheriff’s office.
Federal prosecutors plan to file formal charges next week, according to the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Seattle.
Jonathan Tall: 425-339-3486; jonathan.tall@heraldnet.com; Twitter: @EDHJonTall.
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