Mexican Drug Kingpin Sentenced: 84 Pounds of Meth, Thousands of Fentanyl Pills Seized

Yakima, Washington – Jose Bautista Andrade, a 46-year-old Mexican drug kingpin, was handed a 132-month federal prison sentence following his guilty plea to fentanyl trafficking charges. The sentence includes a subsequent five years of supervised release.

Acting United States Attorney Richard Barker announced the sentence imposed by Chief United States District Judge Stanley A. Bastian. According to court documents and evidence presented at the sentencing, Andrade was operating under the command of a drug dealer based in Mexico, coordinating drug pickups in California and deliveries throughout Western Washington.

In October and November 2023, the FBI conducted two controlled purchases totaling four pounds of methamphetamine from Andrade, both transactions occurring at the Tacoma mall.

On February 6, 2024, law enforcement agents executed search warrants at Andrade’s home and a storage unit in Yakima, uncovering nearly five pounds of fentanyl pills, approximately 84 pounds of methamphetamine, and four firearms.

At the sentencing hearing, Chief Judge Bastian highlighted the significant amount of drugs involved in this case. “Assistant U.S. Attorney Ben Seal did an outstanding job bringing this case to a successful resolution,” said Barker. “Prosecuting cases like this is essential to our mission, and AUSA Seal’s work exemplifies dedication and excellence.”

W. Mike Herrington, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Seattle field office, emphasized the dangers posed by fentanyl. “Even in small quantities, fentanyl can kill, destroying lives and communities,” Herrington said. “By removing this drug trafficker from our streets, we have undoubtedly made Yakima a safer place.”

This case was investigated by the FBI, the Yakima County Sheriff’s Office, and the Thurston County Narcotics Task Force, with prosecution handled by Assistant United States Attorney Benjamin D. Seal. Case number 1:24-cr-02064-SAB.