A massive cartel-connected drug distribution ring that used semi-trucks to transport huge loads of narcotics, including fentanyl, methamphetamine, cocaine, and heroin, has been disrupted with multiple arrests in western Washington, according to a federal indictment.
Over the last three weeks, federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies have been working to dismantle the ring, which was led by Rosario Abel ‘Joaquin’ Camargo Banuelos, 31, and his brother Francisco ‘Fernando’ Camargo Banuelos, 24, based in the Sinaloa area of Mexico.
The brothers are accused of transporting narcotics from Mexico via California, sometimes using a semi-truck to bring the drugs up the coast. Drug deals occurred as far north as Whidbey Island and Arlington and as far south as Tacoma and the Lacey area.
‘This indictment names not only the redistributors in the Western District of Washington, but also the brothers in Mexico who profited by spreading their poisons and addiction in the Pacific Northwest,’ said Acting U.S. Attorney Teal Luthy Miller.
According to records filed in the case, the drug ring was responsible for distributing hundreds of pounds of methamphetamine and fentanyl, which could have yielded a staggering 6.9 million lethal doses.
The investigation, which began in 2023, involved undercover agents and the seizure of large loads of narcotics, including 95 kilos of meth and more than 41 kilos of fentanyl powder in October 2023.
The defendants named in the indictment include:
- Rosario Abel ‘Joaquin’ Camargo Banuelos, 31, and his brother Francisco ‘Fernando’ Camargo Banuelos, 24, based in the Sinaloa area of Mexico
- Jose Mejia Ortiz, 30, a citizen of Mexico, a courier and distributor
- Juan Carlos Garcia Olais, 28, a citizen of Mexico, a courier and distributor
- Jorge Boneo Nieblas, 21, distributor and stash house attendant
- Ivan Garcia Camacho, 30, distributor
- Eder Ramirez Pino, 33, distributor previously removed from the U.S.
- Rosendo Vazquez Medrano, 37, a redistributor who is a Mexican national previously removed from the U.S.
- Kevin Alexander Misacango Solano, 23, courier and distributor
- Karim Davis, 48, of Everett, Washington, a redistributor
- Tyler Johnson, 38, of Shoreline, Washington a redistributor
- Israel Davis, 43, of Shoreline, Washington, a redistributor
- Alex Phan, 19, of Everett, Washington, a redistributor
- Derel Gabelein, 37, of Greenbank, Washington
The charges against the defendants include:
- Rosario Abel ‘Joaquin’ Camargo Banuelos – Fentanyl Trafficking, Washington 2024
- Francisco ‘Fernando’ Camargo Banuelos – Fentanyl Trafficking, Washington 2024
- Jose Mejia Ortiz – Fentanyl Trafficking, Washington 2024
- Juan Carlos Garcia Olais – Fentanyl Trafficking, Washington 2024
- Jorge Boneo Nieblas – Fentanyl Trafficking, Washington 2024
- Ivan Garcia Camacho – Fentanyl Trafficking, Washington 2024
- Eder Ramirez Pino – Fentanyl Trafficking, Washington 2024
- Rosendo Vazquez Medrano – Fentanyl Trafficking, Washington 2024
- Kevin Alexander Misacango Solano – Fentanyl Trafficking, Washington 2024
- Karim Davis – Fentanyl Trafficking, Washington 2024
- Tyler Johnson – Fentanyl Trafficking, Washington 2024
- Israel Davis – Fentanyl Trafficking, Washington 2024
- Alex Phan – Fentanyl Trafficking, Washington 2024
- Derel Gabelein – Fentanyl Trafficking, Washington 2024
The case is ongoing, and no sentencing dates have been set.
Related Federal Cases
- Jacob Magness, Fentanyl Mail Trafficking, IN 2024 · Washington
- Dixis Archaga-Reyes, Fentanyl and Methamphetamine Trafficking, California 2022 · Washington
- Dustin William Slaney, Fentanyl Trafficking, Montana 2024 · California
- Courtney Price, Fentanyl Trafficking, Montana 2023 · California
- Hector Alejandro Apodaca-Alvarez, Fentanyl Trafficking, Arizona 2023 · Alabama
Key Facts
- State: Washington
- Category: Drug Trafficking
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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