Three suspects are being held in the King County jail facing a host of drug and weapons charges after two homes were raided by the Seattle Police Department. What was called a “major drug trafficking ring” had been investigated by members of the North Precinct Anti-Crime Team and the Drug Enforcement Agency for the past few months. At the time that the search warrants were being served, one individual attempted to flee through a second story window.

Items Recovered

According to Seattle's KOMO 4 News, the following items were recovered by members of law enforcement:

• More than three kilos of heroin
• More than eight kilos of methamphetamine
• More than one pound of cocaine
• Roughly 69,000 tablets of oxycodone and fentanyl
• A stolen handgun, rifle, and a ballistic vest
• Approximately $113,000 in cash

Anti-Drug Enforcement Efforts

Neighbors reported that they were alarmed after noticing that law enforcement agents were surrounding these homes located in Shoreline. Occupants of the home tossed three packages of methamphetamine out the windows during the raid. Detective Patrick Michaud says that those who are dealing drugs should be aware that “we're going to be investigating and we're going to find you.”

Washington Drug Trafficking Laws

The provisions of RCW 69.50.401 make it a crime to “manufacture, deliver, or possess with intent” to sell any types of controlled substances. Those found to violate the law with Schedule I or II narcotics or flunitrazepam will face a class B felony, which is punishable by up to ten years in prison. The same applies to amphetamine, methamphetamine, and any of their salts.

If the quantity of the drugs is less than two kilograms, a fine of up to $25,000 may also be imposed. When the amount of the drug exceeds two kilograms, a minimum fine of $100,000 may be imposed. When the offense involves other controlled substances, the crime is a class C felony. 

Potential Seizure and Forfeiture

The state's laws prohibiting drug trafficking also allow for the possibility that property may be seized and forfeited. This applies when any controlled substances are being “manufactured, distributed, or dispensed.” The authorities may seize any materials, equipment, and other supplies that are used in manufacturing or otherwise in the creation or formulation of controlled substances. Some of the common property items that are subject to forfeiture include money, securities, and any other items of value that may be used to acquire controlled substances.

Forfeiture is generally not conducted in cases involving the possession of marijuana unless it is being used for commercial purposes. The amount of marijuana involved must exceed either five plants or one pound and there must be a “substantial nexus between the possession of marijuana and the real property.”

Seattle Attorney for Defending Felony Drug Cases

Those who have been charged with a drug-related criminal offense are strongly encouraged to seek legal representation that is experienced in this realm of practice. The Karimi Law Firm has a history of effectively defending clients in these cases. For a consultation, contact the office today at (206) 621-8777.