Brothers Each Sentenced to 12 Years in Federal Prison for Trafficking 50 pounds of Methamphetamine and 50,000 Fentanyl Laced Pills

Yakima, Washington – On October 17^th, Chief United States District Judge Stanley A. Bastian sentenced brothers Carlos Reyes-Santana, 28, of Pasco, Washington and Eduardo Reyes-Santana, 26 of Kennewick, Washington to 12 years in federal prison for possession with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of methamphetamine. They will also serve 5 years on supervised release. 

According to information disclosed during court proceedings, the brothers had been under FBI surveillance because of their ties to a drug operation based in Mexico that is run by their uncle.

During the investigation, the defendants were observed making what appeared to be drug deliveries over the course of several months.

In May of 2021, agents executed several search warrants in connection to the investigation.

While searching Carlos’ home, agents discovered approximately 52 pounds of methamphetamine, approximately 1 pound of cocaine, approximately 50,000 fentanyl laced pills, approximately 3.5 kilograms of heroin and $420,000 in cash. During a search of Eduardo’s home, agents found 5 five firearms as well as thousands of rounds of ammunition.

On the same day, agents executed a search warrant at a storage unit in Pasco. Agents found 7 kilograms of cocaine, 1 pound of methamphetamine, 50 fentanyl laced pills and more than $70,000 in cash.

Vanessa R. Waldref, the United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Washington stated, “These defendants were responsible for injecting a massive amount of fentanyl and other deadly drugs into our neighborhoods. My office is committed to tackling the opioid crisis by holding individuals accountable who pedal this poison and working closely with our law enforcement partners to seize these dangerous narcotics from our streets to save lives in our communities.”

“Tragically, this family-operated drug trafficking network was distributing poisons which destroy families and communities,” said Richard A. Collodi, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Seattle field office. “The FBI, along with our partners, are committed to removing these illegal drugs from Washington state and the path of addiction, violence, suffering, and overdoses that accompanies them.”

This case was investigated by the FBI’s Southeast Washington Safe Streets Task Force. The task force was assisted by multiple local law enforcement entities, including the Benton County Sheriff’s Office, Richland Police Department, Kennewick Police Department, Pasco Police Department, West Richland Police Department, Franklin County Sheriff’s Office, the Tri-Cities Metro Drug Task Force, and the Washington State Department of Corrections. The Drug Enforcement Administration and the United States Border Patrol also provided assistance.

This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Caitlin Baunsguard and Patrick J. Cashman.

4:2021-cr-06022-SAB