13 indicted in Yakama Nation, Yakima Valley drug trafficking investigation; 7K pounds of drugs seized

More than a dozen suspects face charges for drug trafficking offenses after an investigation targeting violent individuals and armed drug traffickers on the Yakama Nation and in the Yakima Valley, the Eastern District of Washington U.S. Attorney’s Office announced Monday via a news release.

As of this reporting, law enforcement has seized 7,100 pounds of marijuana, 336 pounds of methamphetamine, nearly 25 pounds of cocaine, 7 pounds of fentanyl powder, 4,704 fentanyl-laced pills, $22,512 in drug proceeds, and 12 firearms.

13 Yakama Nation, Yakima Valley drug traffickers charged

The arrests are part of a long-term joint federal, local, and tribal investigation led by the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) and Bureau of Indian Affairs, which began in 2024 and concluded in June 2025.

Agents targeted the alleged violent criminals and drug traffickers, intending to disrupt the drug distributors’ operation, both on and off the reservation.

“Fentanyl continues to be one of the most dangerous substances threatening our communities,” Acting U.S. Attorney Stephanie Van Marter stated in the news release. “Thanks to the hard work and tireless dedication of our tribal, state, and federal law enforcement partners, working side by side with members of the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Yakima, offenders have been removed from our communities, and families are safer today.”

According to court documents, the following suspects were indicted in the investigation:

Angel Navarro Aleman, age 55, charged with distribution of 50 grams or more of actual (pure) methamphetamine (three counts).

Jose Francisco Aguirre, age 56, pleaded guilty to distribution of 50 grams or more of actual (pure) methamphetamine; sentencing in July 2025.

Jose Caudillo-Ascencio, age 23, charged with possession with intent to distribute a mixture or substance containing cocaine; possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.

Jesus Caudillo, age 31, charged with felon in possession of a firearm.

Johnny Thomas Axtell, age 54, charged with distribution of five grams or more of actual (pure) methamphetamine; distribution of fentanyl.

Israel Nicolas Castaneda, age 37, charged with distribution of fentanyl; distribution of 40 grams or more of fentanyl.

Samantha Rasberry-Besa, age 31, charged with distribution of 40 grams or more of fentanyl; possession of firearms in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.

Lonzell Hawk Lucei, age 37, charged with felon in possession of a firearm.

Hollis Marion Woodward, age 70, pleaded guilty to felon in possession of a firearm; sentencing in September 2025.

Miguel Angel Alvarado-Munoz, age 45, charged with being in the United States after deportation.

Ira Charles Pete, age 39, charged with felon in possession of a firearm.

Edgar Jovnni Nunez Bocanegra, age 29, charged with drug user in possession of a firearm, possession with intent to distribute five grams or more of actual (pure) methamphetamine, and possession of a firearm during and in relation to a drug trafficking crime

Fernando Gonzalez, age 38, charged with possession with the intent to distribute 400 grams or more of fentanyl, possession of a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking, and felon in possession of a firearm.

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