Narcotics Task Force

Mission
The mission of the South Snohomish County Narcotics Task Force is to target drug violators having impact on the communities of Edmonds, Lynnwood, and Mountlake Terrace; and to reduce drug availability through professional investigation, apprehension, and conviction of drug traffickers thereby improving the quality of life in south Snohomish County.

Personnel
Authorized staffing for the Task Force is one Lynnwood sergeant, two Lynnwood detectives, one Edmonds sergeant and one detective each from Edmonds and Mountlake Terrace.

Accomplishments
In 2008 the Task Force concluded the investigation of a drug ring that originated from a task force case and was worked in conjunction with the Federal Drug Enforcement Administration. This investigation lasted approximately one year, with the primary suspect and his associates making drug sales to undercover officers. One suspect was indicted, pled guilty and was sentenced to four years in federal prison. The main suspect was arrested while in the process of delivering over one pound of methamphetamine, with a street value of approximately $17,000.00, to an undercover task force detective. This suspect was found guilty in a trial and was sentenced to approximately 15 years in federal prison. Two indicted suspects are still outstanding and are believed to be in Mexico.

The SSCNTF completed a marijuana grow investigation leading to 14 Federal Indictments. The SSCNTF assisted the Valley Narcotics Task Force and Seattle DEA in the investigation. The SSCNTF used thermal imaging and K9 “dog sniff” warrants to further the case. The SSCNTF located six marijuana grow operations in the case and evidence that helped tie grow shop owners into the indictments.

The SSCNTF completed a 10-month investigation into a cocaine distributor, in conjunction with Seattle DEA and Regional NTF. The case was completed by utilizing a SSCNTF undercover detective to purchase cocaine from the suspects. GPS vehicle surveillance was also used during the case. The main suspect was arrested during a controlled buy.

A search warrant was obtained for an associated apartment in Everett. Over 100 grams of cocaine, $9,645 in cash, and two vehicles were seized during the execution of the search warrant along with making seven arrests.

An investigation led to three Federal indictments for LSD deliveries. The investigation was tied into a Federal wire case that was completed in Eastern Washington. The investigation assisted Seattle DEA in making a fourth arrest and serving a search warrant for LSD that was being delivered out of state via the mail. A Federal warrant was issued for the main source of supply.

In July, the SSCNTF began an investigation into a Marysville man dealing large quantities of ecstacy throughout Snohomish County. Over the next five months, detectives conducted surveillance and undercover purchases from the Marysville man and another of his accomplices. In total, 2000 ecstacy pills (as well as marijuana and oxycontin) were purchased. The man was taken into custody early this year. Charges are pending.

Narcotics Statistics		2007	2008	% Change
Marijuana	Plants	2,086	2,389	15%
	Processed (grams)	24,971	5,774	-77%
Cocaine	Powder (grams)	105	678	540%
	Crack (grams)	3	24	700%
LSD	Hits	0	2,632	NA
Heroin	Tar/Powder (grams)	25	316	1164%
Methamphetamine	Powder (grams)	1,019	1,036	2%
Ecstasy	Pills	47	1,624	3355%
Prescription	Pills	51	849	1565%
Cases Initiated		68	188	176%
Arrests		30	62	107%
Search Warrants		21	35	67%