Cocaine shortage leading Seattle addicts to more dangerous drugs
Jun 30, 2012, 1:16 PM | Updated: 3:37 pm
Methamphetamine, heroin and methadone found on a suspected drug dealer arrested this week in Seattle. (Photo: Seattle Police Department)
(Photo: Seattle Police Department)
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.
 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.
