Local News

<< Previous   of   Next >>   ADVERTISEMENT   CONTACT THE HERALD Robert Frank, City Editor frank@heraldnet.com   Published: Friday, July 3, 2009 Drug ring broken up, feds say Herald Staff SEATTLE -- Federal authorities announced Wednesday that they have dismantled a major drug trafficking ring that operated between Mexico, California and parts of Washington, including Lynnwood. During the 14-month investigation, dubbed "Operation Arctic Chill," authorities seized more than 19 pounds of methamphetamine, a quarter-pound of cocaine, $60,000, 22 vehicles and 23 guns, according to the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement. Federal agents also said they believe they arrested the ringleader who was responsible for purchasing meth and cocaine in Mexico and California to distribute in Washington. Authorities said the operation was sophisticated, with drugs being transported along I-5 in vehicles equipped with hidden compartments. The organization also developed a coded language to disguise their criminal activity, authorities said. During the past two weeks police have raided dozens of locations associated with the drug ring, including locations in Lynnwood. They arrested 31 people, including two suspects from Lynnwood. The majority of those arrested have been charged with federal drug offenses. The investigation was led by ICE and the Drug Enforcement Administration. The South Snohomish County Drug Task Force was among several local law enforcement agencies that assisted in the investigation. READER COMMENTS Be the first to comment. You must be a registered user and verify your e-mail address to post comments to blogs or articles on HeraldNet. To register, click here. To read other terms and conditions, click here. Log out

1. Good grief! 2. Swine flu lingers, making traditional flu season unpredictable 3. Two vie to serve as Snohomish County prosecutor 4. Last hurrah for Huskies’ Locker? 5. Koster for Congress? He’s still undecided 6. Here’s how home foreclosure sales really work 7. A store credit card can save you cash, but is it worth it? 8. New site sought for Snohomish pool project 9. Families get an early gift: free Christmas trees 10. Prep Roundup: Lake Stevens wins two wrestling meets 2 - Top 10 Stories Most Talked about 3 - Top 10 Stories Most Emailed

• Wildcats fall to familar foe in semis • ‘Nutcracker' times three • Road warrior • Mavericks reloading • Holiday Lightings & Santa Sightings • Cities prepare for winter blast repeat • Wolfpack duo takes last shot at state tourney • This Weekend in Your Town • Tips for the stormy season • Boeing will build, flight test and deliver 787s in South Carolina to spe ... • Snohomish County EDC promoting job growth in key industry clusters • $4 million grant to advance brain tumor research has Everett links • Providence medical center construction tops off its 12-story steel frame ... • Tulalip affordable housing project to be financed by KeyBank, Raymond Ja ... • Arlington's Lak of Ink has a growing following for Luke Kooyman's creati ... • Bank of the Northwest formed • Cascade Bank earns $1.6 million