Whatcom County-led investigation of regional fentanyl operation nets 3 arrests
Investigators with the Whatcom Regional Drug Task Force (WRDTF) made discoveries that led to the arrest of three men across Washington and the seizure of more than 35 pounds of suspected fentanyl and fentanyl laced pills.
The task force was investigating a Mexico-based Transnational Criminal Organization (TCO) and identified drug runners in Whatcom County, according to Deb Slater with the Whatcom County Sheriff’s Office.
On March 4 a search warrant was served in Federal Way, where authorities discovered approximately 137,000 fentanyl laced pills and 2.3 pounds of suspected fentanyl powder. The drugs had a combined value of more than $130,000. Another $10,000 in suspected drug proceeds also was recovered from the site, according to Slater.
Authorities arrested Alfio Felix Rivera, 22, of Federal Way on suspicion of delivery of a controlled substance, possession with intent, two counts of maintaining a drug premises and one count of money laundering. He was arrested and taken to Whatcom County Jail without incident, Slater told The Bellingham Herald. He has since been formally charged in Whatcom County.
Another search warrant was served March 10 in two locations in Bellingham — the 200 block of North Forrest Street and the 4800 block of Northwest Avenue. Authorities recovered 1.9 pounds of suspected fentanyl powder, a handgun and more than $15,000 in suspected drug proceeds, Slater said.
Investigators arrested two Bellingham men, ages 26 and 23. They had yet to be formally charged as of Friday morning.
The 26-year-old was arrested on suspicion of three counts of delivery of a controlled substance, one count of possession with intent to deliver, maintaining a drug premises and criminal conspiracy. The 23-year-old was arrested on suspicion of four counts of delivery of a controlled substance, possession with intent to deliver, maintaining a drug premises and criminal conspiracy.
The WRDTF is a multi-agency task force made of the Whatcom County Sheriff’s Office, the Bellingham Police Department and the Ferndale Police Department. Slater said the DEA Bellingham Regional Office, the local Homeland Security Office, Washington State Patrol and the Federal Way Police Department also assisted the investigation.
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