Final member of Snohomish County drug ring sentenced

Juan de Dios Alcaraz-Mardueno, the last member of a significant drug trafficking operation in Snohomish County, was sentenced to nine years in federal prison after pleading guilty to distributing methamphetamine, fentanyl, and heroin. Alcaraz-Mardueno worked under Omar Vazquez-Limon, a key figure in sourcing large quantities of drugs for redistribution throughout Western Washington. Court documents revealed that he transported drugs from various states and executed orders for thousands of fentanyl-laced pills. A federal investigation culminated in a major bust in December 2020, resulting in the seizure of 143 pounds of meth, 15 pounds of heroin, and over 35,000 fentanyl pills, along with firearms and nearly $800,000 in cash. Multiple members of the operation received varying sentences, with ringleader Cesar Valdez-Sanudo sentenced to 15 years.

This case illustrates the extensive drug operations affecting local communities and highlights the urgent need for continued action against such criminal enterprises.