Bellingham men face up to 20 years in prison after fentanyl drug trafficking arrest

Two Bellingham men appeared in U.S. District Court in Seattle on Friday, May 29, after being arrested on federal drug distribution charges Thursday, May 28, according to the Department of Justice.

Troy J. Klander, 38, and Zachary D. Salas, 38, were the subject of a five-month investigation by the Drug Enforcement Agency and remain in custody, according to a news release. Agents alleged Klander first sold counterfeit oxycodone pills to a Whatcom Gang and Drug Task Force agent on Jan. 31 and made a total of seven sales to undercover agents.

Salas was seen meeting with Klander during a surveillance session and agents later obtained iCloud search warrants for both mens’ devices, the release said. Search warrants were carried out Tuesday, May 26, at multiple locations before both men were arrested on Thursday. Salas barricaded himself inside his house but was arrested after an hour-long standoff, according to the Department of Justice.

Over $100,000 in cash, a stolen gun and 500 counterfeit oxycodone pills tainted with other drugs including fentanyl, cocaine, heroin and crystal methamphetamine were found over the course of the investigation, the Department of Justice said. If convicted, both men face up to 20 years in prison.