LYNNWOOD — Three pounds of methamphetamine seized in Lynnwood two weeks ago may be linked to one of the largest drug cartels operating in the U.S.
Members of the Eastside Narcotics Task Force based in King County started investigating a drug ring in their neck of the woods in November, Bellevue Police Officer Carla Iafrate said.
They made their move in Lynnwood on Feb. 11, seizing two cars and three pounds of meth worth about $276,000. The task force includes officers from the King County Sheriff’s Office, Washington State Patrol and police departments in Bellevue, Kirkland, Mercer Island and Redmond.
Two weeks ago, the task force arranged to make a drug buy at a Lynnwood address, Iafrate said.
Three Enumclaw men and a Lynnwood man were arrested in connection with the bust.
The task force believes some of those arrested have ties to the La Familia drug cartel, which is also known as La Familia Michoacana. The cartel, which is strong in Mexico and California, is considered the largest meth supplier to the U.S.
The case is still under investigation, Iafrate said. It has not yet been forwarded to Snohomish County prosecutors. The Bureau of Citizenship and Immigration Services also is involved.
Three pounds of meth is enough for about 1,400 doses or “hits,” Iafrate said.
Lynnwood police were not involved in the bust, spokeswoman Shannon Sessions said. They do, however, get a heads up when the task force is coming to town.
Rikki King: 425-339-3449; rking@heraldnet.com
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