Feds dismantle drug ring just 150 feet from University of Washington

SEATTLE – Washington law enforcement and the Department of Homeland Security announced Thursday that they have broken up a violent drug trafficking ring in Seattle's University District.

Authorities said the raid was the culmination of a year-long investigation. The operation resulted in multiple arrests, 26 searches and the seizure of over 80 firearms, significant amounts of narcotics and cash.

The details of the operation were outlined at a press conference by Homeland Security Special Agent in Charge Robert Hammer, U.S. Attorney Tessa M. Gorman and Seattle Police Deputy Chief Eric Barden. Hammer said the operation targeted the “host of violence” spread by the drug ring in the King County area, with activity centered just 150 feet from the University of Washington campus.

The multi-agency operation involved nearly 600 officers and 15 tactical teams, some of whom traveled from as far away as Florida. Authorities reported the arrest of eleven co-conspirators, with more likely to be added. The ring has been linked to various violent incidents, including a murder within 30 days of the investigation beginning.

Two key locations, called “The House” and “The Office,” served as bases for drug distribution, with UW students reportedly purchasing drugs from the latter.

Major seizures included:

• Over 80 firearms, including bags of Glock switches (devices that convert handguns into automatic firearms)
• Approximately 1 kilogram of fentanyl and 4 kilograms of cocaine
• Several hundred thousand dollars in cash, high-end jewelry and luxury vehicles
• Over $10,000 worth of ammunition

Investigators described the group as extremely sophisticated, using coded language, frequently changing phones and employing counter-surveillance tactics. Authorities emphasized the operation's focus on combating violence in Seattle and warned that more arrests could follow in the coming weeks.

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