WHATCOM COUNTY, WA (MyBellinghamNow.com) – Two people were arrested in connection to a drug operation in Whatcom County.
The Whatcom County Sheriff’s Office (WCSO) says that members of the Whatcom Gang and Drug Task Force have been investigating a suspected fentanyl dealer over the past three months.
Their primary suspect, identified as 32-year-old Hilario Adame-Monreal, is accused of laundering drug money to a transnational criminal organization operating out of Mexico. Undercover officers bought fentanyl from him three times during the course of their investigation.
Prior to his arrest, Adame-Monreal was caught trespassing in a barn, where he admitted to smoking methamphetamine. Investigators noted that he had over $13000 on him at that time, which he claimed was meant for delivery.
Adame-Monreal was taken into custody during a traffic stop on Wednesday, Nov. 12, where another $4,000 was recovered.
Members of SWAT, Homeland Security, and the Sheriff’s Office later served a search warrant on a residence near Everson.
They arrested the property owner, 73-year-old Arthur Villalon, on suspicion of aiding the Mexican criminal organization.
Investigators say that Villalon has allowed people to use his property to store and deal drugs and even let some dealers register their vehicles at his address.
WCSO adds that the suspect accused of shooting a Lummi Nation Police Officer earlier this year, Jesus Penuelas-Agramon, was known to be living on the same property prior to his arrest.
