Whatcom Drug Task Force investigation leads to arrest of two suspected of dealing fentanyl
A monthslong investigation by the Whatcom Gang and Drug Task Force has led to the arrest of two people suspected of delivery of illegal drugs.
The investigation began in December, when the task force started looking into the activities of Oscar Carrillo-Lugo, 39, who has a residence in Everson, according to Deb Slater with the Whatcom County Sheriff’s Office.
Authorities learned that Carrillo-Lugo was living with Luz-Imelda Portillo Barraza, 45. Investigators tracked the pair driving from an area near the Southcenter Mall in Seattle up to Whatcom County on several occasions and suspected the trips were related to the purchase and delivery of drugs in Whatcom County, Slater said.
Authorities conducted a traffic stop on the vehicle Feb. 21 on East Sunset Drive in Bellingham. Police searched the vehicle and found more than 2 pounds of fentanyl powder inside a suitcase belonging to Barraza.
Barraza said she didn’t know about the drugs, but admitted sending money to people on behalf of Carrillo-Lugo, Slater said, and Carrillo-Lugo admitted to sending proceeds from drug sales to Mexico and handling other drug proceeds from local members of the organization.
The suspects have been charged with possession with intent to deliver and money laundering, both class B felonies.
A search of the suspect’s Everson residence also revealed an illegal firearm, leading to an additional charge of alien in unlawful possession of a firearm for Carrillo-Lugo. Both suspects were in custody at the Whatcom County Jail as of Feb. 28.
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