Federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies have disrupted a drug trafficking organization with ties to the Sinaloa Cartel that was distributing fentanyl, methamphetamine, cocaine, and heroin across western Washington. The group allegedly transported narcotics from Mexico through California, sometimes using semi-trucks to move large quantities up the West Coast. Drug transactions were reported as far north as Whidbey Island and Arlington and as far south as Tacoma and Lacey.
Acting U.S. Attorney Teal Luthy Miller stated, “This indictment names not only the redistributors in the Western District of Washington, but also the brothers in Mexico who profited by spreading their poisons and addiction in the Pacific Northwest. We will work with DOJ’s Office of International Affairs to hold all the conspirators accountable here in the U.S. and abroad.”
Authorities say that hundreds of pounds of methamphetamine and fentanyl were seized during this investigation. The amount of fentanyl recovered could have produced approximately 6.9 million lethal doses—enough to endanger everyone living in the Seattle-Tacoma metropolitan area.
The drug ring is led by Rosario Abel “Joaquin” Camargo Banuelos, 31, and his brother Francisco “Fernando” Camargo Banuelos, 24, both based in Sinaloa, Mexico. Law enforcement used undercover agents throughout 2023 and 2024 to investigate the network and intercept large shipments of drugs. In October 2023 alone, authorities seized 95 kilograms of methamphetamine and more than 41 kilograms of fentanyl powder. A truck driver identified as Isabel Villarreal Zapien was arrested on state charges earlier this year; he now faces federal charges under a 37-count indictment.
HSI Seattle Acting Special Agent in Charge Colin Jackson commented on interagency cooperation: “This investigation exemplifies the success achievable through effective interagency collaboration and coordination. HSI remains firmly committed to combating the dangerous networks responsible for importing deadly narcotics into the United States. These indictments highlight our dedication to holding these individuals accountable.”
Other individuals named in the indictment include couriers, distributors, stash house attendants, redistributors from various locations including Everett and Shoreline (Washington), as well as several Mexican nationals previously removed from or without legal status in the U.S.
Five defendants face firearms-related charges for either carrying weapons during drug crimes or possessing them illegally due to criminal history or immigration status.
Four additional suspects were arrested during early August search warrants connected to this case:
– Derel Gabelein (Greenbank) faces conspiracy charges after bags of methamphetamine, fentanyl, and other substances were found at his residence.
– Aaron Knapp (Everett) was found with over two kilograms of fentanyl pills.
– John Hardman (Everett) had suspected fentanyl powder marked with a swastika along with $50,000 cash.
– Jose Felix German (Mexican citizen) was charged for being an alien in possession of a firearm while allegedly acting as a money courier; he had been deported from the U.S. previously.
On August 4th coordinated searches resulted in seizures including seven pistols, three rifles, nine kilograms of methamphetamine, over five kilograms of fentanyl, nearly four kilograms of cocaine, more than one kilogram of heroin, and more than $342,000 believed to be proceeds from drug trafficking.
Prior operations netted about 465 pounds of methamphetamine, 269 pounds of fentanyl,23 pounds of cocaine, about six pounds of heroin,over $309K USD in assets,and eleven firearms.
Thirteen suspects are currently detained while six remain at large.
Those convicted face significant prison sentences due to mandatory minimums tied to drug quantities involved; some may receive at least ten years if found guilty.
All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
The investigation involved efforts by DEA,Seattle Police Department, Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), with prosecution handled by Assistant United States Attorneys Max Shiner and Crystal Correa.
This case falls under Operation Take Back America—a Justice Department initiative targeting cartels,transnational criminal organizations, violent crime perpetrators,and illegal immigration threats. The operation coordinates resources from OCDETF and Project Safe Neighborhoods programs.
