SEATTLE, WA – In one of the largest drug indictments in recent Washington state history, 19 individuals have been charged for their roles in a transnational drug trafficking ring linked to the Sinaloa Cartel, federal officials announced this week.
At the center of the investigation are brothers Rosario Abel “Joaquin” Camargo Banuelos, 31, and Francisco “Fernando” Camargo Banuelos, 24, who allegedly operated the U.S. distribution network from Sinaloa, Mexico.
“The 269 pounds of fentanyl pills and powder seized in this case could yield a staggering 6.9 million lethal doses,” said DEA Special Agent David Reames. “This could have killed every person in every community in the Puget Sound region.”
The operation, which spanned two years, began with DEA undercover drug buys in Tacoma and eventually stretched through California, Arizona, and deep into Mexico. The DEA was joined by the DOJ, HSI, and Mexican authorities during the investigation.
Details of the Seizure:
Authorities intercepted:
269 pounds of fentanyl
Cash totaling $650,000
11 firearms
Large quantities of methamphetamine, cocaine, and heroin
Some shipments were so massive they required semi-trucks for transport. The drugs were trafficked across Washington, from Whidbey Island and Arlington to Tacoma and Lacey.
Those Indicted Include:
Jose Mejia Ortiz, 30 – Mexican citizen, courier/distributor
Juan Carlos Garcia Olais, 28 – Mexican citizen, courier/distributor
Jorge Boneo Nieblas, 21 – Distributor/stash house attendant
Ivan Garcia Camacho, 30 – Distributor
Eder Ramirez Pino, 33 – Distributor, previously removed from the U.S.
Rosendo Vazquez Medrano, 37 – Redistributor, previously removed Mexican national
Kevin Misacango Solano, 23 – Courier/distributor
Karim Davis, 48 – Redistributor, Everett
Tyler Johnson, 38 – Redistributor, Shoreline
Israel Davis, 43 – Redistributor, Shoreline
Alex Phan, 19 – Redistributor, Everett
Derel Gabelein, 37 – Greenbank, Whidbey Island: meth, fentanyl, other drugs
Aaron Knapp, 52 – Everett: over 2 kg fentanyl pills seized
John Hardman, 57 – Everett: fentanyl “brick” with swastika, $50K cash
Jose Felix German, 34 – Mexican citizen: previously deported, armed money courier
Isabel Villareal Zapien – Mexican truck driver: originally arrested in Jan. 2024
More defendants are also named in the 37-count federal indictment, and law enforcement continues to track financial and logistical links.
What’s Next:
Because of the volume of drugs, many of the defendants face mandatory minimum sentences of 10 years in federal prison, with some facing potentially life sentences.
Officials emphasized the deadly nature of the drugs involved, particularly fentanyl, and the international collaboration required to bring the indictment forward.
“These men dealt death and despair,” said DEA’s Reames. “We will continue to dismantle these networks that threaten every corner of our communities.”
