In a significant operation on June 26, three men from Spokane are now facing federal drug charges following the seizure of thousands of fentanyl pills and other narcotics from a local residence. According to the U.S. Attorney’s Office, DEA agents had been actively investigating the local drug trafficking scene and identified a Toyota Corolla as the suspected vehicle involved in the illicit activities.

Agents observed two individuals, Jose Roman Lizarrago-Gerardo and Osvaldo Guadalupe Soto-Orduno, transporting a black bag from the Corolla into a home and later returning to the vehicle. Following this observation, law enforcement officials conducted a traffic stop on the Corolla, leading to the discovery of several large bundles of cash.

Further developments saw officers intercepting an Acura occupied by Jose Efrain Gonzalez-Rodriguez and another man. A search of this vehicle resulted in the seizure of approximately 7,000 fentanyl pills and two pounds of suspected methamphetamine.

Massive haul uncovered at suspect’s home

The U.S. Attorney’s Office revealed that a subsequent search of the identified residence led to the confiscation of 61,000 fentanyl pills, alongside three pounds of methamphetamine, over a pound of cocaine, heroin, and multiple firearms. This substantial drug bust underscores the relentless efforts of DEA agents to combat drug distribution networks in Spokane.

Federal charges and community impact

Consequently, Lizarrago-Gerardo, Soto-Orduno, and Gonzalez-Rodriguez are all facing charges for conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine and fentanyl. According to U.S. Attorney Vanessa Waldref, The fentanyl epidemic is taking lives at an unprecedented pace. She emphasized her office’s commitment to working with law enforcement partners to remove large quantities of these deadly drugs from the streets.