Feds arrest 10 in NW drug trafficking investigation

TACOMA, Wash. (AP) — Authorities say 10 people have been arrested around Seattle and in Oregon after a two-year investigation of drug trafficking.

Justice Department U.S. Attorney Annette L. Hayes said in a news release Tuesday that a Drug Enforcement Administration-led task force conducted raids at 14 places in King and Pierce counties in Washington and at locations in Springfield, Oregon.

Members of the group arrested Tuesday allegedly transported drugs and money in hidden compartments of vehicles. Authorities searched a landscaping business, an auto wrecking yard, a motorsports/boat business and a pawn shop.

Hayes says over the course of the investigation law enforcement has seized over $350,000 in cash, more than 30 pounds of methamphetamine, cocaine and firearms.

The defendants, ranging in age from 21 to 51, were scheduled to appear in U.S. District Court in Tacoma this week.