MPD involved in large multi-agency bust

The Monroe Police Department was among dozens of agencies involved in a violent crime and a drug trafficking ring investigation that ended in large-scale arrests and seizures last week.

Nearly three dozen people were taken into custody last Wednesday, according to a U.S. Attorney’s Office Western District of Washington news release. The operation was the fourth time federal, state and local agencies executed a takedown in the last four months.

Arrests were made and search warrants served in King, Pierce, Snohomish, Skagit and Thurston counties last Wednesday, according to the release. More than 95 pounds of methamphetamine, 32 pounds of heroin, 7 pounds of cocaine, as well as ecstasy and fentanyl and 75 guns have been seized, so far.

Nearly two dozen vehicles and $327,000 have also been found by law enforcement, according to the release.

“Over the last four months, more than 80 drug dealing conspirators moving meth, heroin, cocaine and fentanyl have been taken off our streets where they preyed on destructive addictions and used gun crime to further their trade,” U.S. Attorney Annette Hayes said in the release.

She said building the cases has taken collaboration among the participating agencies for more than a year. The end goal has been to address crime in locations where it is particularly prevalent.

“The defendants in these cases face a variety of drug and gun charges,” according to the release. “The penalties range from five years in prison to a maximum of life in prison depending on the pertinent charge.”