Seattle, WA

DEA in Seattle warns of cocaine mixed with fentanyl after overdose deaths

Published

2 years ago

August 15, 2024

DEA in Seattle warns of cocaine mixed with fentanyl after overdose deaths

DEA in Seattle warns of cocaine mixed with fentanyl amid overdoses

Even after the last federal defendant arrested during “Operation New Day” was sentenced to five years in prison, the DEA in Seattle is still observing a rise in the trafficking of fentanyl powder.

SEATTLE – The last federal defendant arrested during Operation New Day, which targeted the open-air drug market at 12th and Jackson and 3rd and Pine in 2023, has been sentenced to five years in prison.

The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) announced that 56-year-old Cuong Quoc Cao was found guilty of possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.

Agents photographed Cao making hand-to-hand drug sales of fentanyl, methamphetamine, crack cocaine, and heroin while armed with a pistol. His arrest is part of a larger effort that has so far resulted in the federal convictions of six defendants.

“Operation New Day was a proactive measure to dismantle drug trafficking networks that have plagued our communities,” said DEA Special Agent in Charge David Reames. “By targeting individuals who are at the forefront of these illegal activities, we hope to create a safer environment for residents.”

This crackdown is a precursor to the recently announced Operation Red Rose, which was detailed during a press conference in June. The DEA, in collaboration with Seattle Police, traced a street-level purchase of methamphetamine back to the Sinaloa cartel and further to drug suppliers in Colombia.

DEA and SPD executed search warrants in Western Washington simultaneously with the operation in Colombia. A video released by the General of the Colombian National Police showcased the operation’s success in taking down producers, distributors, retailers, and money launderers.

“Here in Western Washington especially, we’re focused on the Sinoloa cartel’s connection to the fentanyl and methamphetamine traffickers,” said Reames. “Not a week goes by when we don’t seize multiple pounds of highly pure methamphetamine.”

In terms of impact, the King County overdose deaths data dashboard indicates a slight decline in fatalities this year, with 650 people having died from drug overdoses compared to 801 during the same timeframe last year.

Some would credit the increased availability of Narcan to treat overdoses as one reason for fewer deaths.

Reames also said that by ripping out the drug pipeline by the root, it creates an ebb in the flow of drugs to Western Washington.

“Hopefully, it makes it harder for a period of time so they can reevaluate their circumstances and maybe get help, maybe stop needing drugs in the future,” he said.

One recent concern is the increase in overdose deaths related to cocaine mixed with fentanyl. “If you put fentanyl, which is highly addictive, into cocaine, you are going to get a user addicted to that source,” he explained. “It could be as simple as that.”

The DEA in Seattle is also observing a rise in the trafficking of fentanyl powder, which poses greater risks as it can be easily mixed with other drugs, making them more lethal.

“I’ve been doing this 26 years and this is the most frightening thing I’ve seen,” he said. “With powder fentanyl we are seeing purities rising into the 80 and 90 percent in which 2 milligrams is a potentially lethal dose of fentanyl.”

Reames recently presented “What Every City Leader Needs to Know About Fentanyl”, a version of the One Pill Can Kill Presentation, to mayors and city leaders from throughout Washington state at the Association of Washington Cities Conference in Vancouver, Washington.

He says the DEA in Seattle has launched a new outreach program called Operation Engage, which aims to educate communities about the dangers of drug use.

DEA Agents and outreach specialists will be visiting schools, tribal communities, and local events. A notable event will feature the DEA’s Hummer, seized from a drug dealer and wrapped with a “One Pill Can Kill” message, at Liberty Park in Renton on August 18.

As the community continues to battle the effects of the opioid crisis, officials emphasize the importance of education and prevention in reducing drug-related harm.

MORE NEWS FROM FOX SEATTLE

Man charged in I-5 police standoff, accused of throwing fish tank

Street racing driver triggers fiery, deadly Pierce County crash

Man accused of killing girlfriend in North Seattle charged with murder

North Cascades Highway closure extended, conditions worse than expected

2025 Social Security COLA increase: What we know

Seattle police lieutenant hit with retaliation after enforcing accountability

Court Docs: Suspect told Seattle police he had ‘memory’ of killing girlfriend

San Juan County Sheriff outraged over ferry captain comment

To get the best local news, weather and sports in Seattle for free, sign up for the daily FOX 13 Seattle newsletter.

Source link

Click to comment

Seattle, WA

I’m a New Yorker who went to Seattle for the first time. Here are 9 things that surprised me.

Published

6 hours ago

April 14, 2026

Press Room

I’m a New Yorker who went to Seattle for the first time. Here are 9 things that surprised me.

Situated next to the coast in Downtown Seattle, Pike Place Market is an iconic outdoor market with more than 200 stores and restaurants. I’ve been hearing about it for decades, so I spent my first afternoon in Seattle perusing the 9-acre shopping hub.

On a sunny Thursday afternoon, the market was crowded with locals and tourists alike. I shuffled my way through what felt like a line to get a peek at the fresh seafood. When I needed a break from the mob, I found refuge inside a used bookstore.

Every so often, a delivery truck would drive through, dividing the crowd into two tightly packed globs, but most cars weren’t allowed to drive through Pike Place Market. This made sense to me, since each passing vehicle halted the pedestrian flow.

But I was surprised to learn that the open-air market’s cobblestone streets are normally open to all cars — the city is testing a ban on cars aside from vendors, delivery drivers, and those with disabilities, The Seattle Times reported in August 2025. The temporary ban began in April 2025 and is set to continue through spring 2026.

I was lucky enough to inadvertently schedule my trip during the ban. I couldn’t imagine what it would be like if cars could freely move through the already crowded market.

Source link

Seattle, WA

FOLLOWUP: Seattle Parks’ official announcement of this year’s beach and boat-ramp hours

Published

18 hours ago

April 14, 2026

Press Room

FOLLOWUP: Seattle Parks’ official announcement of this year’s beach and boat-ramp hours

(WSB photo, Saturday night)

As we first reported last month, some of Seattle Parks‘ “summer” hours this year are starting on May 1 – and this past weekend, we photographed illuminated signage announcing that along Alki, while noting the city had yet to make a full detailed announcement. Today, it’s finally out, including info on beach-fire season, which will start the Friday before Memorial Day:

With the summer season approaching, Seattle Parks and Recreation is reminding visitors of summer park hours, boat ramp access, and beach fire rules at Alki Beach and Golden Gardens.
Below are key details to help you plan ahead, including summer hours and beach fire season dates.
Summer Hours at Parks and Boat Ramps
This summer, starting Friday, May 1, 2026, the permanent summer hours will be in effect at select parks and boat ramps across Seattle:
Advertisement

Alki Beach and Golden Gardens:
Summer Hours (May 1, 2026 — September 30, 2026): 4 a.m. – 10:30 p.m.
Non-Summer Hours (September 30, 2026 — April 30, 2027): 4 a.m. – 11:30 p.m.
Don Armeni and Eddie Vine Boat Ramps:
Summer Hours (May 1, 2026 — September 30, 2026): 4 a.m. – 10:30 p.m.
Non-Summer Hours (September 30, 2026 — April 30, 2027): Open 24 hours
These seasonal hours help support safe, enjoyable use during peak visitation while aligning with staffing and safety resources.
Beach Fire and Park Rules
Starting Friday, May 22, 2026, beach fires will be permitted at designated fire pits at Alki Beach and Golden Gardens seven days a week on a first come, first served basis. Bringing your own fire pit is not allowed, and no propane fire pits/rings are allowed.
-Fires must be extinguished by 10 p.m.
-Fires allowed 7 days a week starting Friday, May 22 through Tuesday, September 1.
-Staff will be on-site to manage and assist with putting out fires at 10 p.m.
-Parking lot gates will be locked and the park will close at 10:30 p.m. for summer hours.
-Please only burn clean (natural, bare, dry cord-wood) wood and douse your fire completely before leaving.
-Light a fire ONLY in one of the installed fire containers
-Use only clean, dry firewood
-Please douse your fire with water, not sand
-Fires are not allowed during air pollution alerts; we will post sign
-Please don’t remove any materials from the park, beach or dunes
-Please dispose of trash and ashes in the containers provided for each. (SMC 18.12.260)
-Be considerate of others–please, no loud or amplified music! (SMC 18.12.170)
-Remember, no alcohol or smoking are allowed, and parks are drug-free zones.
-Beach fire rules are outlined in detail in the Seattle Municipal Code section 18.12.270 and in our Beach Fires Policy.
Advertisement

If you see an illegal fire, call 911. For current burn ban and air quality questions, contact Puget Sound Clean Air Agency.
Fire pits at Golden Gardens and Alki are unlocked by 5:30 p.m. Please extinguish all beach fires (using water, not sand) by 10 p.m. in order to ensure that all fires are completely extinguished in ample time before the park’s closure.
We’re committed to providing a safe and enjoyable experience for all that visit Seattle parks! Thank you for doing your part to follow park guidelines and help keep these spaces welcoming for this summer.

Summer plans on Alki are expected to be among the topics at the Alki Community Council‘s monthly meeting Thursday (April 16), 7 pm at Alki UCC (6115 SW Hinds).

Source link

Seattle, WA

Slog AM: A Missing Beaver in Seattle, Trump Fights With the Pope, Hungary’s Right Wing Prime Minister Loses Election Handily – The Stranger

Published

1 day ago

April 13, 2026

Press Room

Slog AM: A Missing Beaver in Seattle, Trump Fights With the Pope, Hungary’s Right Wing Prime Minister Loses Election Handily – The Stranger

Answers: Authorities believe that those 21 skinned canine carcasses that washed ashore on Guemes Island around two weeks ago were foxes, not dogs. The fox carcasses were being transported to be used in a commercial fishing operation as bait. According to the Skagit County Sheriff’s office, they were bought out of state, legally, and brought to Washington. But the boat they were on experienced mechanical difficulties that somehow dumped its cargo in the water. It’s unfortunate when your cargo is 21 skinned fox carcasses that then wind up on a small community’s shores and they think there’s a dog serial killer in their midst. Nope, nope, just fishing bait.

While you were sleeping this weekend there was a swarm of 18 offshore earthquakes near the Juan de Fuca Ridge. Shh. Go back to sleep. They pose no threat to land. It’s just the tectonic plates moving apart.

In Other Animal Carcass News: People found a decapitated cougar partially submerged in Idaho’s Lake Pend Oreille. Park rangers say the cougar died of natural causes and, even though its head was clearly cleanly severed by a human, there was no foul play. Stealing a cougar’s head from its carcass is perfectly legal under Idaho salvage laws. Finders keepers?

Beaver Missing: Someone stole Capitol Hill’s Waxon Spa’s taxidermy beaver mascot. The stuffed beaver wears pink bunny ears, purple heart sunglasses, and has pink painted nails. The waxers there need this beaver in order to wax other beavers. “Please help bring our baby home,” the spa pleads in a missing poster. They are offering a $400 reward

ICYMI: The new Ichiro Suzuki statue the Mariners unveiled Friday had a hard time uh, keeping it up.

A Gas Works Facelift: A new hazard correction order from Seattle’s Department of Construction and Inspections may force the parks department to take out “unsafe ladders, piping and catwalks by May 15.” A teen died last summer after climbing—and falling—from Gas Works’ structures. Two others have died in similar incidents since 2012. The SDCI order breaks through a six month stalemate between parks and the Landmarks Preservation Board which has blocked any attempt to remove hazards from the park for fear of it altering history.

The Weather: Overcast, rainy, but not too rainy.

A WEAK on Crime Pope: Donald Trump sent out a Truth Social screed against Pope Leo XIV, calling him weak on crime, terrible for foreign policy, and weak on nuclear weapons. After that, Trump shared an AI-generated photo of him as Jesus healing the sick. The Jesus pic crossed a line for some evangelicals.