Tri-Cities Based Drug Traffickers Caught with More Than 100,000 Fentanyl Pills, 50 Pounds of Methamphetamine, and a Kilo of Cocaine Sentenced to Federal Prison

Richland, Washington – Acting United States Attorney Richard R. Barker announced today that two men responsible for trafficking large amounts of drugs across Eastern Washington have been sentenced to federal prison. Chief United States District Judge Stanley A. Bastian sentenced Angel Ramon Barajas-Zarate, age 26, from Colima, Mexico, to 132 months in prison and 5 years of supervised release. Hector Sanchez-Mendez, age 42, of Oaxaca, Mexico, was sentenced to 72 months in prison and 5 years of supervised release.

According to court documents and information presented at the sentencing hearings, in February 2022, Investigators developed information that Barajas-Zarate was using the United State Postal Service to ship multiple-pound quantities of dangerous controlled substances, including thousands of fentanyl-laced pills and methamphetamine. Sanchez-Mendez also operated a drug stash house for Barajas-Zarate.

On December 14, 2022, investigators executed several search warrants in Richland, Washington, involving three homes as well as several vehicles identified during the investigation. In the attic of the stash house operated by Sanchez-Mendez, investigators found 45 pounds of methamphetamine in the process of being packaged for sale. Investigators also located 13 firearms around the house. Investigators then searched Barajas-Zarate’s truck and located several large bags of methamphetamine and several thousand fentanyl-laced pills packaged for distribution.

In total, the FBI and its local law enforcement partners seized more than 100,000 fentanyl-laced pills (to include pink and rainbow-colored pills), more than 50 pounds of methamphetamine, and approximately 1 kilogram of cocaine, making it one of the larger drug seizures in Eastern Washington history. The FBI and its local partners also seized approximately $15,000 in U.S. Currency and several money counters, which typically are used by banks to count large amounts of U.S. Currency. More than 20 firearms were seized, along with a significant amount of ammunition. 

“This case serves as a powerful reminder that those who engage in trafficking dangerous drugs, including fentanyl, will be held accountable for the harm they cause in our communities. The FBI and our law enforcement partners have demonstrated tremendous skill and dedication in dismantling these criminal operations. This case also highlights the unwavering commitment of our team of dedicated prosecutors, who has have dedicated their careers to combating the opioid crisis and the dangerous drug trade that threatens the safety and well-being of Eastern Washington,” stated Acting United States Attorney Richard Barker. “Our office will continue to work tirelessly to protect our district from individuals who profit from the devastation caused to Eastern Washington communities and families.”

“Putting a stop to these two men’s crimes may have saved countless lives,” said W. Mike Herrington, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI’s Seattle field office. “This is an extraordinary amount of dangerous drugs and firearms taken off our streets. When investigating these kinds of complex cases, partnerships are absolutely crucial, and I would like to thank our federal, state, and local partners on the Southeast Washington Safe Streets Task Force for their work on this case and safeguarding our communities.”

This case was investigated by the FBI Southeast Washington Safe Streets Task Force, along with the United States Postal Inspection Service. The FBI Southeast Washington Safe Streets 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 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 Stephanie Van Marter.

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