Elvin Irias-Escoto, Fentanyl Trafficking, Washington 2024

HSI, DEA, and Local Partners Seize Fentanyl Worth Millions in Street Value

Seattle – In a joint operation with HSI and DEA, local authorities seized more than 16 kilograms of fentanyl powder and 60,000 fentanyl pills in a fast-moving investigation that resulted in the arrest of four federal suspects.

U.S. Attorney Tessa M. Gorman announced the seizure, stating, “This quick work by federal and local law enforcement will save lives with 16 kilos of fentanyl powder and tens of thousands of pills taken off the street.”

The investigation began in late March with undercover agents posing as well-funded drug customers. They set up a deal to purchase kilos of fentanyl powder and pills, which led to the arrest of Elvin Irias-Escoto, 22, of Honduras, who lived in Renton.

Irias-Escoto and three co-conspirators, Selvin Ponce-Maradiaga, 26, of Honduras, living in Renton, WA; Sammy Maradiaga-Escoto, 20, of Honduras, living in Federal Way, WA; and Hector Rosales-Martinez, 24 of Honduras, Washington residence unknown, were charged in the case.

The defendants appeared in U.S. District Court in Seattle on May 9, 2024. They are charged with fentanyl trafficking, with no sentence or outcome reported yet.

The seizure of the fentanyl powder and pills is estimated to be worth over 1.6 million potentially lethal doses.

Authorites say that the fentanyl traffickers threaten the lives of the community for profit, and this operation is a result of collaborative efforts between HSI, DEA, FBI, Skagit County Interlocal Drug Enforcement Unit, Whatcom County Sheriff’s Office, Customs and Border Protection Office of Field Operations, Customs and Border Patrol, and other local partners.

This operation is a clear message to drug traffickers: we will relentlessly pursue you, disrupt your operations, and safeguard our communities from the devastating impact of illicit substances.

The charges contained in the criminal complaint are only allegations. A person is presumed innocent unless and until he or she is proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

Source: https://www.justice.gov/usao-wdwa/pr/hsi-dea-and-local-partners-seize-more-16-kilograms-fentanyl-powder-and-60000-fentanyl