Seattle, Washington — A sweeping months-long investigation across Western Washington has shut down what investigators describe as a Mexico-based cartel supply line, leading to the seizure of over $1 million worth of narcotics and multiple arrests.
Authorities say the operation funneled fentanyl, heroin, cocaine, and methamphetamine throughout the region, with mid-level distributors coordinating from quiet suburban apartments.
The investigation, known as “Operation Eastbound and Down”, was led by the King County Sheriff’s Office and spanned several cities, including Lynnwood, Kirkland, and parts of Snohomish County.
Unusual Activity Sparks Multi-Agency Probe
Detectives began tracking the case earlier this year after noticing a strange pattern of late-night stops, short vehicle meetings, and frequent multi-city travel. According to officials, these movements matched familiar behaviors linked to regional drug trafficking networks.
Court documents point to two individuals at the center of the activity: 39-year-old Anibal Fernando Galarza-Gutama and 39-year-old Ronald Marcelo Galarza-Galarza. Investigators say the pair were operating as mid-level distributors, quietly moving large quantities of narcotics without maintaining legitimate employment.
Surveillance, Undercover Buys, and GPS Warrants
Detectives executed a blend of investigative tactics, including undercover drug purchases, GPS tracking warrants, and weeks of physical surveillance. Their findings led them to two sparsely furnished apartments — one at Tamaron Ranch in Lynnwood and another at Woodlake Apartments in Kirkland.
When officers searched the residences on October 29, they discovered:
- ~5 pounds of fentanyl powder
- Over 3 pounds of heroin
- 1+ pound of cocaine
- 1+ pound of methamphetamine
- Digital scales with drug residue
- Rubber-banded stacks of cash totaling over $50,000
- Vacuum-sealed drug bricks
- A Derringer-style pistol
- Boxes of plastic baggies commonly used for drug distribution
Officials noted that the apartments contained almost no furniture, a detail often associated with temporary drug-processing locations.
Suspect Admits Mexico-Based Supply Line
One of the arrested men allegedly confessed to detectives that he was “re-upping” his supply directly from a Mexico-based source and receiving new phones at each meeting—a tactic cartel distributors use to avoid surveillance.
Investigators believe the pair were not operating alone but were part of a larger cartel-connected network moving drugs through Washington and potentially beyond state lines.
Growing Concern Over Fentanyl Surge
Casey McNerthney, spokesperson for the King County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office, emphasized that the case highlights both the scale of trafficking in the region and the strong interagency cooperation required to fight it.
He noted that the investigation intersected with a separate federal case earlier this year, in which 19 people were charged for participating in a Sinaloa Cartel-linked drug ring stretching from Whidbey Island to Tacoma.
According to investigators, both operations point to the same growing threat: international cartels using regional intermediaries to flood Washington with fentanyl and methamphetamine.
More Arrests Expected
The Sheriff’s Office said detectives are still working to trace both the origin and intended destinations of the seized narcotics and money. Authorities warn that additional arrests are likely as they dig deeper into the distribution chain.
“The goal isn’t just to seize drugs,” investigators said. “It’s to dismantle the supply lines that keep these networks running.”
Should Western Washington law enforcement increase partnerships with federal agencies to combat cartel-linked trafficking?
Drop your thoughts in the comments — we’d love to hear your take.
