Tacoma, WA: An alleged drug supplier was arrested after authorities seized approximately 22,000 fentanyl pills.
A 24-year-old man was the focus of a narcotics operation carried out by the Tacoma Police Special Investigations Division. He was found at a residence on Puyallup Avenue after video surveillance, as stated in charging documents.
Court records indicate that the man faces charges of unlawful possession of a controlled substance with intent to deliver, first-degree unlawful possession of a firearm, and possession of a stolen firearm.
At the arraignment on Tuesday at Pierce County Superior Court, a plea of not guilty was entered on his behalf. According to records, the court commissioner has set his bail at $1 million.
Authorities initiated a narcotics operation in the Puyallup Avenue area where the defendant lived, citing the prevalence of drug trafficking and crime in the vicinity. According to charging documents, the area has been labeled as a “open-air drug market.”
Surveillance was initiated on a Hyundai Sonata that was found to be owned by the defendant. Investigators have recorded multiple occasions where individuals engaged in hand-to-hand drug transactions inside the Hyundai. According to charging documents, two individuals were seen smoking narcotics shortly after the reported trade.
On Monday, the defendant was arrested as he exited his home and entered his Hyundai. Authorities searched the suspect’s vehicle and home, reportedly discovering blue fentanyl pills, $10,750 in cash, and a stolen handgun. His identification and documents with his name on them were found inside a safe, as per charging documents.
According to records, the defendant has multiple felony convictions, such as first-degree robbery, first-degree attempted robbery, and first-degree rendering of criminal assistance.