Narcotics investigators arrested three people and dismantled what authorities say was a drug distribution operation running out of a hotel room at 7 Cedars Casino in Sequim, seizing more than half a pound of fentanyl along with methamphetamine, cocaine, firearms, and nearly $19,000 in cash during a two-day operation.
The Olympic Peninsula Narcotics Enforcement Team developed information that several people from Kitsap County were staying at the casino and selling controlled substances in Clallam County. Working with casino surveillance staff and local law enforcement, detectives tracked down the suspects and built probable cause for arrests.
Investigators arrested a 35-year-old Kitsap County man first. A search following his arrest turned up approximately 196 grams of fentanyl packaged for distribution, along with a scale, packaging materials, and two loaded pistol magazines. Detectives then executed a search warrant on his vehicle and recovered a .45-caliber pistol and ammunition. The man was prohibited from possessing firearms due to prior felony convictions including unlawful possession of a firearm and delivery or manufacture of a controlled substance. He was booked into Clallam County Jail on suspicion of delivery of a controlled substance, possession with intent to deliver, and unlawful possession of a firearm.
A 43-year-old Kitsap County man was arrested after investigators searched a vehicle containing his luggage and allegedly found fentanyl, a digital scale with residue, records of drug sales, a 9mm pistol, and a bolt-action shotgun. He was also prohibited from possessing firearms because of prior felony convictions and was booked on suspicion of possession with intent to deliver and unlawful possession of a firearm.
Authorities arrested a 41-year-old Key Peninsula woman after she was allegedly found carrying a 9mm pistol without a concealed weapons permit. A fourth woman was detained, questioned, and released. The investigation also led to arrests of two Clallam County residents on the first day of operations, though OPNET did not provide details about those cases.
Across the two days, investigators seized approximately 262 grams of suspected fentanyl, 515 grams of suspected methamphetamine, about 30 grams of suspected cocaine, 147 suboxone strips, multiple firearms, scales, packaging materials, and about $18,980 in cash. All three suspects arrested at the casino are being held on $250,000 bail.
The casino operation highlights a pattern narcotics investigators see increasingly across Washington: dealers using hotel rooms at casinos and resorts as temporary distribution hubs where transient populations and constant foot traffic make surveillance difficult. The collaboration between OPNET detectives and casino security staff proved crucial in tracking suspects’ movements and building cases.
Authorities emphasized the charges are allegations and that those arrested are presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court. The seizure of nearly 200 grams of fentanyl packaged for distribution represents thousands of potentially lethal doses removed from Clallam County streets.
