Enoc Martinez Lopez, Fentanyl Distribution, Washington 2024

SEATTLE, WASHINGTON – In a major blow to the opioid epidemic, six members of a drug distribution conspiracy operating in Skagit and Whatcom counties have been charged federally with various drug and firearms crimes.

Enoc Martinez Lopez, aka "Victor," 27, of Marysville, Washington, was the main supplier of drugs to other co-conspirators. He is charged with conspiracy to distribute controlled substances, distribution of controlled substances (including heroin and fentanyl), and distribution of fentanyl. Martinez Lopez appeared in U.S. District Court today, and has a detention hearing scheduled for tomorrow.

The other defendants will make their initial appearances in U.S. District Court in Seattle over the next few days. "Drug trafficking organizations are spreading fentanyl pills throughout our district – from rural areas to urban centers," said U.S. Attorney Nick Brown. "I commend the coordinated efforts in Whatcom and Skagit Counties to expeditiously interdict these potentially deadly drugs."

The criminal complaint details how various defendants interacted with supplier Martinez Lopez and other drug customers. In April 2022, investigators initially saw Martinez Lopez meeting with defendant Adam Wisniewski, 41, of Bellingham, Washington at the Silver Reef Casino in Whatcom County. Wisniewski was later arrested with more than 1,000 fentanyl pills, fentanyl powder and a firearm. Wisniewski was arrested a second time in June 2022 with two firearms and fentanyl pills. Wisniewski is charged with conspiracy to distribute controlled substances, possession of fentanyl with intent to distribute, as well as two counts of illegal possession of firearms. Wisniewski cannot legally possess firearms due to a felony drug possession conviction (2011) in Whatcom County Superior Court.

Defendant Manuel Garcia Munoz, 21, of Marysville, Washington is charged with conspiracy to distribute controlled substances and distribution of heroin for a June 2022 sale of heroin.

Defendant Casey Landis, 39, of Bellingham, is charged with conspiracy to distribute controlled substances and possession of a controlled substance with intent to distribute including methamphetamine and fentanyl. In October 2022, Landis left a fanny pack on a counter at Silver Reef Casino that was found to contain fentanyl and meth. An analysis of Landis phone revealed extensive drug trafficking text messages with drug supplier Martinez Lopez and with drug customers.

Defendant Jesse Witteveen, 37, of Maple Falls, Washington, is charged with conspiracy to distribute controlled substances and possession of controlled substances with intent to distribute. The criminal complaint alleges that on November 1, 2022, Witteveen tried to flee from police and tossed a bag of drugs out of his car window before he was taken into custody in rural Whatcom County. A search of Witteveen’s car and residence turned up fentanyl pills, meth, multiple cell phones, firearms parts, and ammunition.

Finally, defendant Corbin Saunders, 43, of Bellingham, is charged with unlawful possession of firearms. Saunders is the owner of a Tesla that was observed leaving a known drug involved residence in Bellingham. The vehicle was stopped, and a drug dog alerted that it detected the odor of drugs in the vehicle. Using a court authorized search warrant, law enforcement recovered methamphetamine, cocaine, and heroin. The Tesla also contained an AR-15 style rifle and a 9mm handgun. Corbin Saunders cannot legally possess firearms due to felony convictions for theft and forgery and convictions for possession of heroin and methamphetamine, all in Whatcom County Superior Court.

Defendant Information:
– Defendant: Enoc Martinez Lopez (27, Marysville, WA)
– Charges: Conspiracy to distribute controlled substances, distribution of controlled substances (including heroin and fentanyl), and distribution of fentanyl
– City and State: Seattle, Washington
– Date: April 2022 (investigation start)
– Sentence/Outcome: Currently detained pending further proceedings

MORE FEDERAL CRIME NEWS

Drug Trafficking

Racquel Hamilton, Methamphetamine Possession, Nebraska 2023

Mar 6, 2020

Drug Trafficking

Keevan Craig Dean, Methamphetamine Trafficking, Nebraska 2017

May 28, 2021

Drug Trafficking

Shawn Jenks, Drug Trafficking, Pennsylvania 2014

Apr 9, 2015

Drug Trafficking

Eddie Pace, Heroin Trafficking Conspiracy, Pennsylvania 2023

Apr 9, 2015