CRIME BLOTTER

Seattle police bust major drug operation in Chinatown

Sep 3, 2025, 6:51 PM

drug bust seattle Chinatown...

The scene after Seattle officers conducted a drug bust in the Chinatown-International District. (Photo: James Lynch, KIRO Newsradio)

(Photo: James Lynch, KIRO Newsradio)

Seattle officers busted what they called a major drug distribution operation in the Chinatown-International District.

Two people were arrested, and several others were detained early Wednesday morning at Saeteun’s Garage, Auto Body Customs at 8th Avenue South and South Jackson Street.

Undercover investigators surveilled the business for more than two months after it was noticed that people, suspected customers, were lining up outside the building every morning.

“The two primary suspects are arrested for dealing narcotics and will face charges for that, and then many of the employees inside were also involved in this activity,” Seattle Police Department (SPD) Captain Steve Strand said.

Suspects face charges after Chinatown drug bust

SPD hasn’t released whether officers found any drugs on the premises, but it said there is enough evidence for charges to be filed.

“As far as the business goes, we’re going to work with our partners in the City Attorney’s Office with the new nuisance abatement laws and see if we can close down this building entirely and the business itself,” Strand said.

Follow James Lynch on X. Read more of his stories here. Submit news tips here.

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