The Thurston County Narcotics Task Force (TNT), in a joint operation with the City of Lacey Police Department Community Resource Unit and Olympia Police Department detectives, have arrested five suspects in connection to an armed drug trafficking operation.
Evidence developed during the investigation indicates the group was distributing controlled substances, cannabis, and vape products to children as young as 13 years old in Lacey, according to a TNT news release.
During surveillance and investigative operations, TNT detectives observed a high volume of juvenile traffic consistent with suspected drug distribution activity.
Detectives documented more than 150 juveniles entering the residence on an average school day.
On Wednesday, Feb. 11, TNT served a search warrant at a residence in the 4000 block of College Street Southeast following a months-long investigation and numerous controlled purchases.
During the search, detectives seized controlled substances and evidence of distribution, including:
The investigation remains active, according to Sanders.
“TNT and our partners are committed to disrupting drug trafficking organizations that endanger community safety — particularly those involving the distribution of controlled substances to minors with the presence of firearms,” TNT said in a news release.
TNT and Lacey Police each extended their appreciation to the partnering agencies and officers who worked on this case, and thanked community members who promptly reported suspicious activity.
Drug trafficking operations involving underage buyers have led to several tragic, high profile homicides over the years, TNT said in a news release.
“Disrupting these operations by making arrests and seizing assets remains a viable path forward to ensure our children are not needlessly caught in the middle of drug rip robbery homicides that are common at these types of residences,” TNT stated.
