An alleged drug supplier was arrested following the seizure of about 22,000 fentanyl pills in Tacoma on Monday night.
The 24-year-old man was the target of a narcotics operation conducted by the Tacoma Police Special Investigations Division. He was located at a residence on Puyallup Avenue following video surveillance, according to charging documents.
The man was charged with unlawful possession of a control substance with intent to deliver, first-degree unlawful possession of a firearm and possession of a stolen firearm, court records show.
A plea of not guilty was entered on his behalf at arraignment on Tuesday at Pierce County Superior Court. A court commissioner set his bail at $1 million, records show.
Investigators began their narcotics operation in the Puyallup Avenue area where the defendant resided due to the high volume of drug trafficking and crime in the area. The area has been described as an "open air drug market," charging documents show.
Investigators began surveillance on a Hyundai Sonata that was discovered to belong to the defendant. Investigators documented numerous instances when people got into the Hyundai for hand-to-hand drug transactions. In one instance, two people were observed smoking narcotics less than five minutes after the alleged trade, charging documents show.
The defendant was arrested Monday after he left his residence and got into his Hyundai. Police then searched vehicle and his residence, where they allegedly located blue fentanyl pills, $10,750 in cash and a stolen handgun. His identification was recovered inside a safe, as well as documents with his name on it, according to charging documents.
The defendant has several felony convictions, including first-degree robbery, first-degree attempted robbery and first-degree rendering criminal assistance, records show.
"This operation underscores the crucial role of ongoing law enforcement efforts in combating the illicit drug trade and protecting our communities," a Tacoma Police Department X post said. "It also highlights the importance of education and awareness regarding the dangers of fentanyl abuse and its devastating consequences. Let's continue to work together to keep our neighborhoods safe and drug-free."
