17 Arrested In Large Washington Drug Trafficking Bust

SEATTLE, WA — 17 people were arrested during a largescale drug trafficking bust in the Seattle area Wednesday, according to the Department of Justice. Federal, state and local agencies deployed to ten locations targeting a criminal group that has been under surveillance since last year.

According to the DEA, law enforcement seized nearly 40 pounds of methamphetamine and close to 30 pounds of heroin during the investigation.

"At the height of the opioid epidemic, the Pacific Northwest is also drowning in methamphetamine," said Keith Weis, DEA Special Agent In Charge.

"In the last year, DEA working with other federal, state and local law enforcement, have seized 3,400 pounds of methamphetamine, representing a record amount for the region." Weis said.

Agencies from around the region sent teams to assist with arrests and search warrants, including SWAT teams from King and Pierce County. Among the 17 arrests, fourteen people have been indicted by a grand jury for conspiracy to distribute controlled substances.