Cartel-connected drug distribution ring that used semi-trucks to transport shipments disrupted with multiple arrests

Over the last three weeks, federal, state and local law enforcement have been working to dismantle a cartel-connected drug trafficking ring distributing fentanyl, methamphetamine, cocaine and heroin throughout Western Washington, a news release from the Department of Justice stated.

The drug traffickers transported narcotics from Mexico, via California, sometimes using a semi-truck to bring the drugs up the coast. Drug deals occurred as far north as Whidbey Island and Arlington and as far south as Tacoma and the Lacey area.

“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,” Acting U.S. Attorney Teal Luthy Miller for the Western District of Washington said. “We will work with DOJ’s Office of International Affairs to hold all the conspirators accountable here in the U.S. and abroad. This Sinaloa Cartel-affiliated drug trafficking group brought misery and death to our community. The work of DEA and our partners seized hundreds of pounds of methamphetamine and fentanyl from this group that could have yielded a staggering 6.9 million lethal doses. This fentanyl could have killed everyone living in the Seattle-Tacoma metro area. The entire Puget Sound region is safer without the Camargo Banuelos brothers poisoning our communities.”

According to records filed in the case, the drug ring is led by Rosario Abel “Joaquin” Camargo Banuelos, 31, and his brother Francisco “Fernando” Camargo Banuelos, 24. The men are based in the Sinaloa area of Mexico. Throughout 2023 and 2024, law enforcement used undercover agents to seize huge shipments of drugs, including 95 kilos of meth and more than 41 kilos of fentanyl powder in October 2023. The investigation determined that large loads of drugs were being transported by a coconspirator who is a truck driver. That defendant, Isabel Villarreal Zapien, 44, a Mexican citizen, was arrested on state charges in January 2024 and is now charged federally in the 37-count indictment.

The other members of the drug trafficking ring named in the indictment include:
• Jose Mejia Ortiz, 30, a citizen of Mexico, a courier and distributor;
• Juan Carlos Garcia Olais, 28, a citizen of Mexico, a courier and distributor;
• Jorge Boneo Nieblas, 21, distributor and stash house attendant;
• Ivan Garcia Camacho, 30, distributor;
• Eder Ramirez Pino, 33, distributor previously removed from the U.S.;
• Rosendo Vazquez Medrano, 37, a redistributor who is a Mexican national previously removed from the U.S.;
• Kevin Alexander Misacango Solano, 23, courier and distributor;
• Karim Davis, 48, of Everett, a redistributor;
• Tyler Johnson, 38, of Shoreline, a redistributor;
• Israel Davis, 43, of Shoreline, a redistributor;

• Alex Phan,19, of Everett, a redistributor.

Five of the defendants are charged with firearms violations including carrying a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime or illegally possessing a firearm because of their prior criminal history or immigration status.

Four additional defendants were arrested at the takedown in early August in connection with the serving of multiple search warrants. This brings the total number of defendants in this case to 19. These defendants are charged by criminal complaint with being part of the drug trafficking conspiracy.

Derel Gabelein, 37, of Greenbank, Whidbey Island, Washington; Aaron Knapp, 52, of Everett, Washington; John Hardman, 57, of Everett, Washington; are all charged with conspiracy and possession of controlled substances with intent to distribute.

Jose Felix German, 34, a Mexican citizen, was charged with being an alien in possession of a firearm.

During the coordinated arrests and searches on Aug. 4, law enforcement seized seven pistols and three rifles, as well as nine kilograms of methamphetamine, more than five kilograms of fentanyl, nearly four kilograms of cocaine, and more than a kilogram of heroin. Law enforcement seized more than $342,000 in suspected drug trafficking proceeds.

Past seizures included approximately 465 pounds of methamphetamine, approximately 269 pounds of fentanyl, approximately 23 pounds of cocaine, and approximately 6.4 pounds of heroin. In addition, investigators seized over $309,522 in assets and seized approximately 11 firearms.

Thirteen defendants are in custody. Six are being sought by law enforcement.

Due to the amounts of drugs involved, some defendants face a mandatory minimum penalty of 10 years in prison.

The case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration and the Seattle Police Department with assistance from Homeland Security Investigations, and is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Max Shiner and Crystal Correa for the Western District of Washington.