Tri-Cities Drug Bust: Over 100,000 Fentanyl Pills, 50 Pounds of Meth, and Kilo of Cocaine Seized—Two Sentenced to Federal Prison

Two men involved in trafficking large quantities of fentanyl, methamphetamine, and cocaine across Eastern Washington have been sentenced to federal prison, according to the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Washington.

Angel Ramon Barajas-Zarate, 26, from Colima, Mexico, received a sentence of 132 months in prison followed by five years of supervised release. Hector Sanchez-Mendez, 42, of Oaxaca, Mexico, was sentenced to 72 months in prison and five years of supervised release.

The investigation, which began in February 2022, revealed that Barajas-Zarate used the United States Postal Service to distribute controlled substances, including fentanyl-laced pills and methamphetamine. Sanchez-Mendez operated a stash house for the operation.

On December 14, 2022, investigators executed multiple search warrants in Richland, Washington, at three residences and several vehicles. They found 45 pounds of methamphetamine being packaged for sale in the attic of the stash house operated by Sanchez-Mendez, along with 13 firearms. A search of Barajas-Zarate’s truck uncovered additional methamphetamine and thousands of fentanyl-laced pills.

The operation led to the seizure of more than 100,000 fentanyl-laced pills, including pink and rainbow-colored varieties, over 50 pounds of methamphetamine, and approximately one kilogram of cocaine. Authorities also confiscated around $15,000 in cash, several money counters, more than 20 firearms, and a significant amount of ammunition.

Acting U.S. Attorney Richard Barker stated, “This case serves as a powerful reminder that those who engage in trafficking dangerous drugs, including fentanyl, will be held accountable for the harm they cause in our communities.”

The investigation was conducted by the FBI Southeast Washington Safe Streets Task Force, with assistance from the United States Postal Inspection Service, local law enforcement agencies, the Drug Enforcement Administration, and the United States Border Patrol. Assistant United States Attorney Stephanie Van Marter prosecuted the case.