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Methamphetamine, heroin and methadone found on a suspected drug dealer arrested this week in Seattle. (Photo: Seattle Police Department)

Cocaine shortage leading Seattle addicts to more dangerous drugs

BY Kim Shepard  on June 30, 2012 @ 1:16 pm (Updated: 3:37 pm - 6/30/12 )

A shortage of cocaine in the Seattle area may be leading addicts to seek out even more dangerous drugs.

Earlier this week, police discovered 1.3 kilos (2.86 lbs) of heroin and a half-kilo (1.1 lbs) of methamphetamine in a violent ex-convict's home after he was arrested.

Narcotics Detectives with the Seattle Police Department say they also found methadone pills, a pistol and an assault rifle.

"Right now, there seems to be a cocaine drought in the city. The price has gone up and people are turning to other drugs. We're seeing some tragic overdoses," says Lieutenant Mike Kebba of the Seattle Narcotics squad.

The arrest of the 46-year-old suspect came after police discovered him outside a store in the Rainier Valley neighborhood of south Seattle on Tuesday June 26, with a loaded handgun in his car.

"This guy sold to so many people," says Kebba.

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An assault rifle and pistol were found along with 1.3 kilos of heroin and a half-kilo of methamphetamines, as well as methadone at an ex-convict's house after his arrest. (Photo: Seattle Police Department)

The U.S. Attorney's office will be filing federal gun charges in the case.

The Seattle Police Department notes that federal law enforcement is able to prosecute more aggressively and seek stiffer sentences for violent criminals caught with guns.

Kim Shepard, KIRO Radio Reporter
Kim Shepard is a news anchor and reporter for KIRO Radio and the office optimist. She's energetic, quick to laugh and has a positive outlook on life.
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Comments (6)


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  • CH wrote...
    Cocaine shortage ? . . . .
    June 30, 2012 6:18 pm
    really? You made me do it - http://youtu.be/qYS732zyYfU
    { "Thumbs Up":"1","Thumbs Down":"-1" }
  • Ron_Spins wrote...
    Mexico
    June 30, 2012 7:14 pm
    Seattle drug addicts are helping fuel violence across the border.Wonder where these "drug addicts" get their money? W.I.C. card.
    { "Thumbs Up":"1","Thumbs Down":"-1" }
  • GoldFish wrote...
    Tragic overdoses?
    July 1, 2012 8:31 am
    I love how this story is reported as though it is a problem that there is a shortage of cocaine, we should be happy. Isn't having less of a hard drug a good thing. And as far as the addicts moving to harder drugs and overdosing, igdaf!
    { "Thumbs Up":"1","Thumbs Down":"-1" }
  • Cameron wrote...
    The Real question is, will the addicts buy their Healthcare Insurance?
    July 1, 2012 10:50 am
    Remember, the President said no free riders. So if they have money for Drugs, they must make the means test for having the Insurance to treat them when they OD, get Hep C, AIDS....right? Or are we going to pay no matter what for individuals who choose to be junkies?
    { "Thumbs Up":"1","Thumbs Down":"-1" }
  • Newton wrote...
    Another story of goverment not doing thier job.
    July 1, 2012 10:52 am
    The addicts should complain to to the Governor or the Mayor. To get a shipment in soon. JBLM to Afghanistan need a shipment to the Seattle area now.
    { "Thumbs Up":"1","Thumbs Down":"-1" }
  • sportsguru wrote...
    The police
    July 2, 2012 6:50 am
    will have a new shipment on the streets real soon, they just want to them to sweat a little bit more.
    { "Thumbs Up":"1","Thumbs Down":"-1" }
  • { "Thumbs Up":"1","Thumbs Down":"-1" }