SEATTLE, WA – A sprawling drug operation funneling fentanyl and cocaine into Western Washington and shipping marijuana across the country has been dismantled following a joint investigation by the DEA and ATF. Ten individuals are facing federal charges, with eight arrested earlier today in Washington and California. The operation, centered in Pierce County, allegedly moved enough fentanyl to create over 150,000 lethal doses.
The investigation, spanning back to 2022, revealed a sophisticated network utilizing social media for both communication and drug advertising, employing coded language and emojis to evade detection. Acting U.S. Attorney Tessa M. Gorman highlighted the youth of the defendants – all under 30 – contrasting their age with the sheer volume of drugs they were peddling. “They not only put their lives on a negative path, but they sold dangerous drugs that are harming so many other young people in our community,” Gorman stated.
Law enforcement seized a staggering cache of narcotics during the investigation. Over 52 kilos of cocaine, more than 23 kilos of fentanyl pills, and 131 kilos of marijuana were confiscated. A single shipment intercepted by authorities contained 37 kilos of cocaine and over a kilo of fentanyl pills. A June 2023 traffic stop on Interstate 5 uncovered a massive haul of 200,000 fentanyl pills hidden within a vehicle. The scale of the operation points to a well-funded and organized criminal enterprise.
Those arrested and facing conspiracy to distribute controlled substances charges include: Joel Adrian Valencia Rosas, 27, of Lakewood; Scott Bud Burrows, Jr., 26, of Spanaway; Jesus Emmanuel Cardenas Gonzalez, 22, of Chula Vista, CA; Silias Kapone Hale, 19, of Federal Way; Ronnie Kendrick, 24, of Lakewood; Alyson Marie Pyles, 20, of Port Orchard; KeShaun Marcus Tremper, 18, of Federal Way. Additionally, Corey Earl Huff, 39, of Lakewood, was arrested for unlawful possession of a firearm, suggesting the organization was armed and prepared to defend its illicit business.
“This operation will make a sizable dent in the drug trade over multiple states,” declared ATF Seattle Special Agent in Charge Jonathan T. McPherson, underscoring the interstate reach of the trafficking ring. The involvement of firearms further escalates the danger posed by the group. Local law enforcement echoed these concerns, with Bonney Lake Police Chief Mark Berry and Lakewood Assistant Chief John Unfred praising the collaborative effort and its potential impact on reducing drug flow within their communities.
The defendants could face severe penalties if convicted. Due to the quantity of drugs involved, some face mandatory minimum ten-year prison terms. DEA Special Agent in Charge David F. Reames emphasized the urgency of the situation: “This poison will never reach its potential victims because of the cooperation between DEA and our law enforcement partners in this investigation.” It is crucial to remember that these are allegations, and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
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Key Facts
- Agency: ATF
- Category: Drug Trafficking|Organized Crime
- Source: Official Press Release
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