Federal Sting in Oregon and Eight Other States Busts 21 Violent Drug Traffickers with Massive Fentanyl and Meth Haul

A seven-month-long joint federal investigation led by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives has led to charges against 21 people suspected of violent drug trafficking offenses in nine states, including Oregon.

The announcement was made yesterday by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Washington following the return of 15 separate indictments involving dozens of charges. Some of the named individuals are not yet in federal custody.

Large Quantities of Drugs, Cash, Firearms, and Vehicle Seized in Operation

Agents seized large quantities of drugs, cash, firearms, and vehicles during the drug-busting operation. The drug haul included 16,000 fentanyl pills, 5.5 pounds of fentanyl powder, 14 pounds of methamphetamine, and 1 kilogram of heroin.

Also seized were 36 firearms, four motor vehicles used in drug operations, and $60,000 in drug money.

Apart from Oregon, the other states involved in the operation are Alabama, California, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, North Dakota, Texas, and Washington.

Methamphetamine and Fentanyl Suspected Dealers

Charged with the distribution and or possession of pure methamphetamine are Andrew Vincent Auerbach, Daryl Edward Boone (45), Jonathan Jacob Inglis (40), Nathan Carlson Johnson (44), James Lelacheur (56), Christopher Wayne O’Neal, and Gabriella Sherif Rizkalla.

Boone and Inglis are also charged with possession or distribution of fentanyl, as are Roland Dewayne Sanders (36) and Bernie Ray Shaw Jr. (45).

Indictments were also handed down against James M. Ferguson (33) for the unlawful possession of a short-barreled shotgun, Courtney A. Wheeler, Andrew Lee Williams, and Anthony Dale Williams, for possession of a firearm used in drug trafficking and other related charges.

Several Street Gang Members Arrested Have a History of Violence

Several of the individuals named by the U.S. Attorney’s Office have histories of violence and are known members of street gangs. Some of those arrested will be arraigned at the Spokane Federal Courthouse today, May 9.

The case was investigated under the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Drug Enforcement Administration, Homeland Security Investigations, the Moses Lake Police Department, Border Patrol, and the Washington Department of Corrections.

Assistance was also provided by the United States Marshals Service and the Spokane County Sheriff’s Office.