Seattle, WA — A massive multi-county drug operation has been shut down after the King County Sheriff’s Office (KCSO) seized more than 100 pounds of cartel-linked narcotics, concluding a months-long investigation dubbed “Operation Eastbound and Down.”
Months-Long Investigation Targets Major Supplier
According to KCSO, the Precinct 4 Special Emphasis Team launched the operation after uncovering a major supplier moving bulk quantities of drugs across King, Pierce, and Snohomish Counties.
The supplier allegedly received over 100 pounds of narcotics every few weeks, distributing them across multiple cities throughout Western Washington.
Assisting in the operation was K9 Quinn, the department’s only narcotics detection dog, trained to alert on drugs such as cocaine, methamphetamine, and heroin. Quinn stepped into the role earlier this year after longtime K9 Fury retired.
Quinn — fun fact — was once a Purina Puppy Chow model, and has served with Burien Police since November 2022.
Multiple Search Warrants Conducted Across the Region
The investigation led detectives to multiple properties across Bridgeport, Lynnwood, and Kirkland, where officers executed coordinated search warrants.
What they uncovered was one of the largest drug takedowns in recent King County history.
Over 100 Pounds of Narcotics Seized
In total, KCSO seized:
- 70.55 pounds of Methamphetamine
- 16 pounds of Fentanyl powder
- 6.83 pounds of Heroin
- 1.67 pounds of Cocaine
- 1 handgun
- 1 vehicle used for narcotics distribution
- $83,652 in cash believed to be drug proceeds
Officials estimate the total street value at approximately $1.3 million.
Officials Highlight the Scale of Drug Trafficking
“This shows how much of this is moving through the region,” said Casey McNerthney of the King County Prosecutor’s Office.
He illustrated the scale of the seizure by comparing it to filling a bulk bin at a grocery store:
“If you went to WinCo and tried to load up 70 pounds of flour, everyone would stare at you. That’s how much meth we’re talking about here.”
Four Suspects Arrested
KCSO confirmed that four suspects involved in the drug trafficking ring were taken into custody. Authorities say the narcotics had direct links to the Sinaloa Cartel, one of the most powerful and notorious drug cartels in the world.
K9 Quinn Praised for Critical Role
K9 Quinn was specifically recognized for her work, with prosecutors noting her continued success in multi-county drug busts:
“[K9 Quinn] made another great bust that involved this alleged drug ring in multiple counties and multiple cities, and it was a really big bust.”
With Fury retired, Quinn is currently the sole narcotics detection dog for the sheriff’s office — and proving to be a vital asset.
Do you think Washington needs more K9 teams and resources to combat cartel-linked drug trafficking? Drop your comments, reactions, and thoughts below — your voice matters!
