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Thirteen people were indicted in a large drug trafficking investigation in Western Washington and 10 of them were already in custody as of Tuesday, U.S. Attorney Tessa M. Gorman announced in a news release. 

In one of three indictments, Brian Axel Pedraza Cisneros, 20, and Jose Rodolfo Aguilar Cortes, 21, both of Federal Way, are accused of conspiracy to distribute controlled substances for a seizure of 14 kilos of cocaine and one firearm on March 24 in Lewis County.

Two additional defendants were arrested Tuesday on criminal complaints.

“These defendants were brazenly bringing large loads of drugs to Western Washington and didn’t hesitate to arm themselves with high-powered firearms,” Gorman said. “Even after law enforcement seized the drugs in various traffic stops in Oregon and Washington, they were not deterred.”

The lead indictment names 10 members of the conspiracy to distribute controlled substances, including fentanyl, methamphetamine, cocaine and alprazolam. Lead defendant Hector Duran Aldaco, 23, of Federal Way, is also charged with using a firearm in relation to a drug trafficking crime. 

Others named in the indictment include:

• Damian Pina-Raymundo, 19, of Enumclaw
• Daniel Moreno, 24, of Federal Way
• Rogelio Pena, 21, of Tacoma
• David Padilla, 22, of Kent
• Neldin Licona Rivera, 33, of Seattle
• Sebastian Esquivel Rojas, 20, of Federal Way

Another indictment charges Salina Rose Atsemet, 26, of Renton, for possession of cocaine with intent to distribute it following a seizure on Feb. 27 when one kilo of cocaine and two firearms were taken by law enforcement.

The indictments call for forfeiture of items linked to the criminal conduct including firearms that were seized in the case. 

In the investigation prior to the Tuesday arrests law enforcement seized 59 kilograms of fentanyl pills, 81 kilograms of methamphetamine, 21 kilos of cocaine and 11 firearms.

Two additional defendants who were involved in the drug trafficking activity were arrested on criminal complaints Tuesday,  Brian Garcia Lopez, 23, of Kent, and Otis Lee Dew, 25, of Puyallup.

On Tuesday alone, law enforcement seized an additional 12-plus kilograms of methamphetamine, more than 14,000 fentanyl pills, a half-kilogram of cocaine and 42 firearms. 

“Drugs and guns are a dangerous combination and this group had large amounts of both, posing a grave threat to Western Washington,” said David. F. Reames, special agent in charge, Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) Seattle Field Division. “The Drug Enforcement Administration is thankful to our federal, state, and local partners who worked with us tirelessly on this case to safeguard the lives of our community endangered by this group.”

The charges contained in the indictments and criminal complaints are only allegations. A person is presumed innocent unless and until he or she is proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

“Today’s enforcement action demonstrates the strength of partnerships around the region in keeping our communities safe.” said Richard A. Collodi, special agent in charge of the FBI’s Seattle field office. “It’s satisfying to know the illegal drugs and weapons seized are now off the streets. The FBI and our partners will continue investigating these cases and holding those responsible accountable.”

This effort is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces operation. Additional information about the program can be found at https://www.justice.gov/OCDETF.

This case was investigated by the DEA, FBI, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Seattle Police Department, Oregon State Police, the Portland Police Department, California Highway Patrol, the Los Angeles Strike Force, U.S. Customs and Border Protection and the Centralia Police Department.

This case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Casey Conzatti and Elyne Vaught.