A 28-year-old man was arrested by law enforcement on Wednesday, Sept 25, on suspicion of being involved in drug trafficking.
The Whatcom County Gang and Drug Task Force has been working with the Drug Enforcement Administration’s Bellingham Resident Office to investigate a transnational criminal organization operating in the county, said Deb Slater, the Whatcom County Sheriff’s Office public information officer.
As part of that investigation, law enforcement executed a search warrant at the 4900 block of Guide Meridian and arrested the suspect, Slater said. During a search of the property, 3.5 pounds of suspected fentanyl powder, believed to be used for resale, were found. Receipts indicative of suspected money laundering activities were also seized.
The suspect was booked into the Whatcom County Jail Wednesday on charges relating to delivery of a controlled substance and money laundering.
“Our joint efforts with local, state and federal agencies have successfully disrupted a major fentanyl trafficking operation,” Sheriff Donnell Tanksley said. “This achievement underscores our unwavering continued commitment to tackling the opioid crisis and ensuring the safety of our communities.”
Law enforcement believes the suspect has ties to a crime organization in Mexico, Slater said.
Law enforcement previously arrested three people in connection to a drug ring in Whatcom County in August. One of the men arrested, Mikel Escandon-Tibillin, was believed to have been operating the drug ring in the county for a number of years.
The suspect’s preliminary appearance is set for Thursday.
Annie Todd is CDN’s criminal justice/enterprise reporter; reach her at annietodd@cascadiadaily.com; 360-922-3090 ext. 130.
