EVERETT — Seven people suspected of dealing heroin in Snohomish parks, outside a high school and at the city library were in court Monday to answer to numerous felony drug charges.
The suspects, ages 18-27, were arrested as part of an extensive police investigation into heroin dealers working in and around Snohomish. Police announced last month that they’d arrested 11 people who had peddled heroin to confidential informants during an ongoing investigation into drug trafficking inside city limits.
Many of the defendants told detectives that they were selling heroin to support their own addictions. One man, 22, said that he received calls “all the time” to sell heroin. He told detectives that he tried to sell drugs to make money, but he wasn’t very good at turning a profit, Snohomish County deputy prosecutor Chris Dickinson wrote in court papers.
Another defendant had been under investigation for dealing prescription pain killers in previous months. Detectives believe he switched to selling heroin.
Police and health care providers have noted a spike in heroin use among young people in Snohomish County. They attribute the increase in part to the rise in prescription medication abuse. Heroin has become cheaper and easier to obtain.
Seven defendants, five men and two women, pleaded not guilty Monday to multiple charges, including delivery and possession of heroin. They were allowed to remain free on their own recognizance.
Two men failed to show up for the hearing. Snohomish County Superior Court Judge Eric Lucas issued a $2,500 arrest warrant for one defendant and a $10,000 warrant for the other.
Prosecutors have charged a total of 10 people in connection with the drug ring. A 10th defendant is being held in jail on a theft charge.
Diana Hefley: 425-339-3463; hefley@heraldnet.com.
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