Tessa M. Gorman, U.S. Attorney | U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Washington
Three Mexican nationals were arrested last week in Bellevue, Washington, in connection with a drug deal involving over 25 pounds of crystal methamphetamine. U.S. Attorney Tessa M. Gorman announced that the individuals are being held at the Federal Detention Center at SeaTac, Washington, on a criminal complaint.
Court records indicate that on January 29, 2025, an undercover agent from Homeland Security Investigations engaged with a transnational drug organization to purchase crystal methamphetamine. The arrangement involved exchanging 30 pounds of the substance for $62,000 in a restaurant parking lot in Bellevue.
Undercover agents were shown the drugs and then led the defendants towards a vehicle where they claimed money was waiting. As law enforcement moved to arrest them, the suspects attempted to flee but were captured. They face charges of conspiracy to distribute controlled substances and possession of controlled substances with intent to distribute.
The men arrested have been identified as Eber Omar Barrones-Madrid, age 24; Juan Jose Prado-Estrada, age 25; and Jose Manuel Ochoa-Sanchez, age 27.
"The charges contained in the criminal complaint are only allegations," it was noted. "A person is presumed innocent unless and until he or she is proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law."
The investigation is being conducted by Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), while Assistant United States Attorney Vince Lombardi is prosecuting the case.
