More than a dozen detained in drug sweep in the South Sound

TACOMA, Wash. — Federal Drug Enforcement agents rounded up a dozen suspected drug dealers in a sweep through the south sound on Monday.

According to a news release from the DEA office in Seattle, 13 people were arrested as part of a months long investigation that included wire taps of the targeted suspects.

Agents said they seized 50 pounds of crystal methamphetamine and more than two pounds of heroin along with more than $300,000 in cash.

The homes and storage units targeted stretched from Kent to Graham as part of what agents called a wide ranging distribution ring that supplied illegal drugs to western Washington.

Jeff Wright watched as agents went to his neighbor’s home across the street from him in Parkland. “There’s a lot of drugs came out of that place”, Wright said. “There was a procession of cars and contraband and whatever going out of this place.

In a news releasem U.S. Attorney Jenny A. Durkan said, “through the course of this case, law enforcement took more than 66 pounds of crystal meth off the streets and more than 2-1/2 pounds of heroin.  Federal and local partners working together have dismantled a major pipeline for drugs.”

Twelve of the people arrested appeared in federal court in Tacoma on Tuesday.  If convicted, they face prison sentences of ten years to life.

KIRO