Arrests made on regional drug trafficking organization
By Dan Thesman on Tuesday, August 20th, 2024 in Columbia Basin News More Top Stories
WALLA WALLA – [News release from the Walla Walla Regional Drug and Gang Task Force] During the early morning of July 24, 2024, members of the Walla Walla Regional Drug Gang Task Force assisted the Blue Mountain Enforcement Narcotics Team (BENT), FBI, United States Marshall’s Service, Tri Cities METRO Drug Task Force and DEA in executing search warrants in the 600 block of Juniper St. and the 200 block of Tausick Way in Walla Walla. These search warrants and subsequent arrests were the culmination of almost a year of investigation into the drug trafficking organization led by Vicky Villalobos in the Walla Walla area. Villalobos, 48, and Roger Gutierrez, 39, were both arrested at the Juniper St. address on federal arrest warrants for Conspiracy to Distribute 50 grams or more of Actual Methamphetamine, Conspiracy to Distribute 40 grams or more of Fentanyl and Conspiracy to Distribute Cocaine. Kelly Lee, 65 was arrested at the Tausick Way address for a federal arrest warrant for Conspiracy to Distribute Cocaine. Approximately $30,000 cash, 4 guns, and two pounds of cocaine were seized during the search warrants.
The following people were also arrested for their involvement in the drug trafficking organization in Walla
Walla:
Saul Garanzuay, 50, 700 block of S. 2nd Ave. for a federal arrest warrant for Conspiracy to Distribute Cocaine.
Faye Cariveau, 49, 500 block of Bryant Ave. for a federal arrest warrants for Conspiracy to Distribute Cocaine and 40 grams or more of Fentanyl.
Antonia Leal, 38, 800 block of Emma St. for a federal arrest warrant for Conspiracy to Distribute 40 grams or more of Fentanyl.
Christian Meza, 29, 1200 block of Olive St. for a federal arrest warrant for Conspiracy to Distribute 40 grams or more of Fentanyl.
All suspects were initially transported to the Walla Walla County Jail and then transported to the Yakima
County Jail the following day by the United States Marshall’s Service.
The Walla Walla Regional Drug Gang Task Force is a multi-jurisdictional team which consists of detectives from Walla Walla Police Department, College Place Police Department, Walla Walla County Sheriff’s Office, and Washington State Department of Corrections.
No further information will be released at this time.
