TOPPENISH, Wash. — Thirteen individuals have been charged with drug-related offenses following a months-long investigation in Yakima Valley, officials announced at a press conference on Monday.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Washington revealed the arrests, made in June 2025, stem from “Operation Overdrive,” a collaborative effort launched in 2024 by the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), Bureau of Indian Affairs, and local and tribal law enforcement agencies. The investigation focused on violent drug traffickers operating in the Yakama Nation and the surrounding Yakima Valley.
Tom Atkinson, deputy director of the Bureau of Indian Affairs Division of Drug Enforcement, emphasized the broader mission behind the operation: “This operation was about more than arrests or seizures. It was about restoring peace, protecting families, reducing fentanyl overdoses, and sending a clear message that criminal organizations targeting Native communities will face united enforcement.”
David Reames, DEA special agent in charge, described Operation Overdrive as a national, multi-phase program aimed at disrupting drug and violent crime “hotspots.” The Yakima Valley was chosen in late 2024 due to a rise in drug activity. Local agencies worked alongside DEA agents, using confidential sources and investigative techniques to gather evidence.
As part of the operation, law enforcement seized massive quantities of narcotics: 7,100 pounds of marijuana, 336 pounds of methamphetamine, approximately 25 pounds of cocaine, 7 pounds of powdered fentanyl, and 4,704 fentanyl-laced pills. They also confiscated 12 firearms and $22,515 in drug proceeds.
Reames noted that the amount of fentanyl seized could deliver a lethal dose to every person in Yakima County—or eight lethal doses for every member of the Yakama Nation.
Since the bust, officials report a significant slowdown in drug trafficking in the region. “Traffickers often target rural areas thinking they are safe, but our team showed them they are wrong,” Reames said.
Officials believe the operation will positively impact community health by removing dangerous substances destined for neighborhoods, schools, and homes. Atkinson reaffirmed the commitment to partner with tribal nations to foster safer, healthier communities free from addiction and violence.
The DEA will continue pursuing leads uncovered during Operation Overdrive, promising ongoing investigations.
The individuals arrested and their charges include:
Angel Navarro Aleman, 55, distribution of methamphetamine
Jose Francisco Aguirre, 56, pleaded guilty to meth distribution; sentencing July 2025
Jose Caudillo-Ascencio, 23, possession with intent to distribute cocaine; firearm possession during drug trafficking
Jesus Caudillo, 31, felon in possession of a firearm
Johnny Thomas Axtell, 54, distribution of methamphetamine and fentanyl
Israel Nicolas Castaneda, 37, distribution of fentanyl
Samantha Rasberry-Besa, 31, distribution of fentanyl; possession of firearms during drug trafficking
Lonzell Hawk Lucei, 37, felon in possession of a firearm
Hollis Marion Woodward, 70, pleaded guilty to felon in possession; sentencing September 2025
Miguel Angel Alvarado-Munoz, 45, illegal reentry after deportation
Ira Charles Pete, 39, felon in possession of a firearm
Edgar Jovnni Nunez Bocanegra, 29, drug user with firearm; possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine; firearm possession during drug trafficking
Fernando Gonzalez, 38, possession with intent to distribute fentanyl; firearm possession during drug trafficking; felon in possession
