Mexican Cartel Leaders Busted in Massive Fentanyl, Methamphetamine, Heroin, Cocaine Ring

A year-long wiretap investigation has resulted in the arrest of four individuals in connection with a massive international drug trafficking operation, announced U.S. Attorney Tessa M. Gorman.

The investigation, which involved law enforcement teams from the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), Seattle Police Department, and IRS Criminal Investigation, uncovered a large-scale conspiracy that had ties to suppliers in Mexico and Colombia.

“Whenever possible, we try to trace both the origin of drugs and the money going back to those who supply the drugs,” said U.S. Attorney Gorman. “We want to ensure that those who would poison our communities – by trafficking drugs from afar – are held accountable for their actions in the United States.”

Four people were arrested today in the Western District of Washington and District of New Jersey, and they will have initial appearances and detention hearings over the next few weeks. Those arrested include:

Ramon Duarte Garcia, 37, a citizen of Mexico residing in Kent, Washington.

Humberto Lopez Rodriguez, 30, a citizen of Mexico, formerly of Renton, Washington, currently imprisoned at Federal Correctional Institution Lompoc, California

Curtis McDaniel, 55, a U.S. citizen residing in Tukwila, Washington.

Manuel Garcia Hernandez, 39, a citizen of Mexico, residing in Renton, Washington.

Jose Luis Villafañe Osorio, 35, a citizen of Colombia, residing in Plainfield, New Jersey

During the investigation, law enforcement seized 84,000 fentanyl pills, more than a kilogram of fentanyl powder, 32 kilograms of cocaine, 15 kilograms of methamphetamine, nearly three kilograms of heroin, nine firearms, and $71,000 in drug proceeds.

U.S. Attorney Gorman praised the collaborative work between law enforcement agencies in the United States and Colombia, saying, “This cooperative effort is a win for the good guys and a tremendous example of the truly international cooperation needed to tackle this immense threat.”

David F. Reames, Special Agent in Charge, DEA Seattle Field Division, added, “This operation is a fantastic example of collaborative police work between Seattle PD, the DEA, the IRS, and the Colombian National Police.”

The investigation was part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) investigation, which identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level drug traffickers, money launderers, and gangs.

The four arrested individuals will face charges related to their involvement in the conspiracy.