Seattle-area men sentenced for drug trafficking, one linked to Hookah bar shooting

Two Seattle-area men were sentenced to prison for their roles in a violent drug trafficking organization, according to the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Washington.

Khaliil Ahmed, aka “Bossup,” 27, will spend six years in prison for two counts of illegally possessing firearms. Yohannes Wondimagegnehu, aka “Jon,” 36, was also sentenced to six years, but for conspiracy to distribute controlled substances and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.

The men were also ordered to serve three years of supervised release after prison.

“These are serious offenses,” U.S. District Judge John Chun told the men, who each played a significant role in the organization.

Khaliil Ahmed connected to hookah bar shooting

Ahmed, from Kent, was also connected to a deadly shooting at a hookah bar in South Seattle in August 2023. One of the charges relates to the gun he had during the shooting. Ahmed was injured in the shooting, and three others were killed.

Ahmed was also involved in a shooting at a First Hill apartment on May 4, 2024. Surveillance video captured Ahmed pointing a gun at a person. He was prohibited from possessing guns after a 2022 conviction for illegally possessing and publicly discharging a firearm in a drive-by shooting. Law enforcement seized two additional Glocks from Ahmed’s home.

Yohannes Wondimagegnehu staffed apartment in U-District 

Wondimagegnehu helped staff an apartment on the edge of Seattle’s University District that was a known drug distribution location. One of the leaders of the organization was gunned down at the apartment in June 2024. However, Wondimagegnehu continued to distribute drugs. The murder is still under investigation.

Authorities found eight firearms, various narcotics, and drug proceeds at Wondimagegnehu’s home in October 2024. 

14 arrested in connection with drug trafficking organization

In total, 14 defendants were arrested in connection with the drug trafficking organization. Ahmed and Wondimagegnehu are the first to be sentenced. Seven others have pleaded guilty and are expected to have sentencing hearings in the coming months. One defendant is a fugitive. 

The trial for the lead defendant — 50-year-old Ali Kuyateh, aka “Pops,” from Seattle — is expected to continue in the spring of 2026.

Law enforcement seized more than 19 kg of fentanyl, 12 firearms, and more than $130,000 in cash amid the year-long investigation into the organization. 

During the arrest in October 2024, authorities seized more than 50 firearms, including fully automatic weapons and handguns with Glock switches; thousands of rounds of ammunition, including high-capacity drum magazines, and armor-piercing rounds; several hundred thousand dollars of bulk cash and jewelry; 1 kilogram of fentanyl and 4 kilograms of cocaine.

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