22 indicted in drug-trafficking ring linked to cartel

PORTLAND, Ore. — Authorities say 22 people were indicted on federal charges in a drug-trafficking ring that spanned Oregon and Washington state.

The Oregonian/OregonLive reports federal agents made 17 arrests after spreading out across the Portland area Wednesday.

Fifteen people appeared before a federal judge in Portland later Wednesday, entering not guilty pleas. Others are expected to appear in court later this week.

According to the federal indictment, they are linked to a Mexican drug cartel and are accused of conspiring to possess and distribute methamphetamine, cocaine and heroin.

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Others are also accused of manufacturing meth and distributing it to people to sell across Oregon and into Washington.

The indictment stemmed from an investigation involving the FBI, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security and local agencies.

Associated Press