SPOKANE — Federal and local law enforcement officers have raided 47 locations in Los Angeles, Spokane and Mountlake Terrace, Wash., and made several dozen arrests on federal charges related to distribution of the prescription painkiller oxycodone.
The Spokesman Review reports that nine people taken into custody in Spokane were arraigned Thursday in federal court and ordered held for bail hearings. A U.S. magistrate entered not guilty pleas on their behalf. Officials said 12 people in all were charged in Spokane; three were already in custody on other charges.
Federal Drug Enforcement Administration spokeswoman Jodie Underwood says the raids are part of a joint investigation in Eastern Washington and Los Angeles.
Spokane raids targeted 16 residences.
Federal officials say one Mountlake Terrace residence was raided and one person was taken into custody there.
A federal grand jury in Spokane issued a 32-count indictment in January.
The government says it is seeking forfeiture of $20 million, described as the proceeds from the drug dealing.
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Information from: The Spokesman-Review, http://www.spokesman.com
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