Two Bellingham men charged in fentanyl investigation as third case is dismissed
A Federal Way man was released from Whatcom County Jail on Monday following the dismissal of a case against him for charges related to drug trafficking.
Alfio Felix Rivera, 22, was arrested March 4 as part of an investigation by the Whatcom Regional Drug Task Force (WRDTF). Two other men were also arrested, and their cases remain open in Whatcom County Superior Court.
Prosecutors did not respond to questions regarding the dismissal of Rivera’s case.
The WRDTF investigation began in January, when officers set up a controlled purchase with a known drug trafficking ring based in Mexico, according to court records. An investigator and a confidential informant purchased fentanyl-laced powder from two Bellingham men: Jorge Alexander Ramos, 23, and Omar Gaona Garcia, 26.
Investigators observed multiple individuals buying fentanyl from Ramos and Gaona Garcia in February. They also saw the men meeting with a suspected source car in Bellingham, and a traffic stop was initiated. Officers found a “large amount” of money that was the approximate cost of a kilo of fentanyl powder in this region.
Investigators later served a search warrant on the Federal Way residence associated with the car they stopped. Court records show they found about $10,400 in suspected drug proceeds, more than 33 pounds of fentanyl-laced counterfeit pills and 2.3 pounds of fentanyl powder. Rivera was inside and taken into custody.
Law enforcement searched the Bellingham residences of Ramos and Gaona Garcia on March 10. Inside Gaona Garcia’s apartment, they reportedly found a handgun, scales with suspected drug residue, almost $15,800, drug packaging and 1.9 pounds of fentanyl powder.
Investigators found scales, loaded handgun magazines and a small amount of cocaine inside Ramos’ home. Both men were arrested that day.
Ramos was charged with maintaining a house for drugs and five counts of possession of a controlled substance with intent to deliver. Gaona Garcia was charged with four counts of possession of a controlled substance with intent to deliver.
Ramos and Gaona Garcia remain in custody at Whatcom County Jail.