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The Tacoma Police Department (TPD) has claimed a significant win in the fight against the opioid crisis after concluding a successful investigation targeting a suspected drug trafficker operating within Tacoma city limits.
The suspect, whose identity remains undisclosed at this time, specialized in distributing fentanyl, methamphetamine and heroin, primarily along the Pacific Avenue corridor, according to TPD officials.
The investigation, spearheaded by TPD’s Patrol and Investigations Division, also uncovered ties between the suspect and cartel members near the U.S. southern border.
According to authorities, investigators identified a pattern wherein the suspect would allegedly transport substantial quantities of narcotics from the cartel’s base in Mexico back to Tacoma for distribution.
The breakthrough came on February 16, when TPD officers intercepted the suspect en route to Tacoma with another shipment of narcotics believed to be sourced from the cartel.
The ensuing arrest of the suspect paved the way for a thorough search, resulting in the seizure of a huge cache of illicit substances. A total of 83 pounds of methamphetamine, approximately 87,000 fentanyl pills and nearly half a pound of brown tar heroin, with an estimated street value of $550,000, were confiscated from the suspect’s possession.
Furthermore, law enforcement officials also uncovered a cache of weapons, including a handgun loaded with armor-piercing bullets, colloquially known as “cop-killer bullets,” and body armor worn by the suspect during the arrest.
A subsequent search of the suspect’s residence yielded four additional firearms, two of which were reported stolen, along with more armor-piercing ammunition.
In a statement released to the press, the Tacoma Police Department addressed the significance of this operation in addressing the opioid and fentanyl crisis, while simultaneously curbing the violence associated with narcotics trafficking.
“This investigation and subsequent arrest represent a significant victory in addressing the opioid and fentanyl crisis while also mitigating the violence linked with narcotics trafficking,” the press release stated.
The TPD stated it is committed to collaborating with federal, state and local partners to dismantle drug networks and ensure the safety and well-being of Tacoma residents.
As the investigation unfolds, authorities are urging anyone with information related to illegal drug activities to come forward and assist law enforcement in their ongoing efforts to combat narcotics trafficking within the Tacoma area, located approximately 32 miles southwest of Seattle.
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