by KOMO News Staff
Sat, October 5th 2024 at 9:15 PM
Updated Sat, October 5th 2024 at 9:16 PM
An image of drugs that were seized from the Jackson Drug Trafficking Organization. The organization is responsible for over 800,000 fentanyl pills being distributed across the country. (U.S. Attorney’s Office)
BELLINGHAM, Wash. — The Lummi Nation Chairman released a statement Friday regarding recent arrests that were made earlier this week in connection to a multi-state drug trafficking ring.
Lummi Nation Chairman Anthony Hillaire issued the following statement on Friday:
The devastating effects of fentanyl leave no one untouched. Our hearts are heavy as we stand with our families, who are directly feeling the impacts caused by these drugs. As we continue to make meaningful steps to drive change, we send our love and support to all those affected.
“These arrests stem from a two-year investigation led by Tribal and federal partners that examined the phone of a Lummi Nation overdose victim, which found connections to a Drug Trafficking Organization,” the Lummi Nation wrote in a press release Friday. “Additionally, four individuals were arrested on criminal complaints for fentanyl distribution within the boundaries of the Lummi Nation. Three of the four were tribal members, and all were charged with possession of fentanyl with intent to distribute.”
RELATED: 5 King County family members indicted in multi-state drug trafficking conspiracy
On Oct. 3, multiple law enforcement agencies, including the FBI and DEA, held a press conference to announce arrests they’ve made that were connected to the drug organization. During the press conference, U.S. Attorney Tessa M. Gorman said the drug trafficking organization was run by two brothers, Marquis and Markell Jackson.
According to a statement released by Gorman’s office, on Wednesday, 17 people were arrested in connection to the case. Several of those individuals arrested were in western Washington. The two-year investigation looked into the trafficking ring that led to over 800,000 fentanyl pills being distributed across the country. Authorities said that the Lummi Nation reservation in Whatcom County was targeted for distribution.
Authorities believe the organization purchased the fentanyl pills in bulk from a supplier in Arizona.
Richard Collodi, Special Agent in Charge with FBI Seattle, said that just in King and Pierce counties, 13 search warrants were executed. Law enforcement agencies in Georgia, Texas, Missouri, and Arizona also carried out search warrants and arrests.
Jackson Drug Trafficking Organization seizures in this case:
- 846,712 fentanyl pills
- 6.6 kilos of fentanyl powder
- 7.8 kilos of cocaine
- 29 firearms
- More than $116,000 in cash
ALSO SEE: Seattle community activist among 17 arrested in multi-state drug ring
The Lummi Nation press release continued to say the Lummi Nation Police Department played a “significant role” in the operations alongside theBureau of Indian Affairs (BIA) Federal agents, Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) Federal agents, and Border Patrol members.
“Roots of this investigation go back in part to September 2023, when four Lummi Nation members died of fentanyl overdose within just four days,” the Lummi Nation wrote in a release. “This prompted the Lummi Indian Business Council to declare a state of emergency and to demand federal partners provide assistance in halting the crisis.”
Ten of 13 individuals who were arrested in Washington are being detained at the Federal Detention Center at SeaTac. Five of the individuals arrested are members of the same family.
Authorities from several state and federal agencies are continuing to investigate this case.