Arlington leader of drug trafficking ring sentenced to 15 years

SEATTLE — The leader of a drug trafficking ring that had more than 30 pounds of meth, heroin and fentanyl on his Arlington estate was sentenced to 15 years in prison on Tuesday, January 31.

Cesar Valdez-Sanudo, 36, pleaded guilty in June 2022 to conspiracy to distribute controlled substances, conspiracy to launder money and carry a firearm in connection with drug trafficking offenses.

During the sentencing hearing, US District Judge John Coughenour said the 15-year sentence was based on “the astonishing scale of the drug trafficking organization, the amount of fentanyl, and the death it caused in our community.” “.

Mr. Valdez-Sanudo led a violent drug trafficking ring and buried kilograms of meth, heroin and fentanyl on his Arlington property, along with more than $300,000 in cash – proceeds from “This is a long prison sentence, but considering the harm these drugs are doing in their communities,” said US Attorney Nick Brown. me, that is the proper punishment.”

Following a wiretapping investigation, members of the drug ring were indicted in December 2020. During the investigation, law enforcement seized approximately 143 pounds of meth, 15 pounds. heroin, more than 30,000 suspected fentanyl pills, 24 guns and about $778,000.

Investigators found more than 27 kilograms of meth, nearly six kilograms of heroin and nearly two kilograms of fentanyl at Valdez-Sanudo’s Arlington estate. They also found 10 guns.

According to prosecutors, Valdez-Sanudo laundered more than $1 million through casinos, as well as buying property and vehicles.

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