SEATTLE – Two alleged members of a drug ring with Mexican ties faced the music this week as they were sentenced for their role in distributing deadly drugs across Western Washington.
Judge Kymberly K. Evanson’s stern words echoed through the courtroom, “This is a serious offense involving dangerous drugs and a significant number of guns.” Jose Rodolfo Aguilar Cortes, 23, from Federal Way, was handed a five-year sentence for his role in the ring.
Cortes faced charges after authorities seized 14 kilos of cocaine during a March 24, 2024, operation in Lewis County. The investigation revealed that Cortes was one of the drivers transporting drugs from California to the northwest. The total seizure included 81 kilograms of methamphetamine, 49 kilograms of fentanyl pills, and 15 kilograms of cocaine.
Following his prison term, Cortes will likely be deported back to Mexico. His counterpart, Alex Ortiz, 21, from Auburn, was sentenced to 20 months for operating a stash house for the drug ring. Ortiz served as a middleman in drug deliveries and cash exchanges, which were uncovered during a May 14, 2024, search warrant.
The raid at Ortiz’s residence yielded $5,920 in cash, eight firearms, fourteen rounds of ammunition, and six magazines. After serving his prison term, Ortiz will face five years of supervised release. Judge Evanson also recommended the residential drug treatment program for him during incarceration.
This case is part of the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) operation, which has targeted high-level criminal organizations threatening the United States with a multi-agency approach. The DEA, FBI, Seattle PD, ATF, and other agencies were involved in the investigation and prosecution of this drug ring.
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Key Facts
- State: Washington
- Agency: DOJ USAO
- Category: Drug Trafficking|Organized Crime
- Source: Official Source ↗
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