Two Vancouver, Washington men arrested with pound quantities of fentanyl and methamphetamine following undercover investigation

Tacoma –A year-long undercover drug investigation led to a major drug seizure and two Vancouver, Washington arrests this week, announced U.S. Attorney Tessa M. Gorman. Juan Onofre Flores Carrillo, 48, and Jesus Daniel Valenzuela Ayala, 23, will make their initial appearance today in U.S. District Court in Tacoma charged with conspiracy to distribute controlled substances.

According to the criminal complaint, Flores Carrillo aka “El Cholo,” was identified in early 2023 as a significant fentanyl pill dealer in southwest Washington. Working with confidential informants, law enforcement made a series of significant drug buys from Flores Carrillo. In one instance Flores Carrillo sold an informant 3,000 fentanyl pills on another occasion he sold the informant a kilo of crystal methamphetamine. Twice Flores Carrillo sold high powered firearms.

In January and February 2024, law enforcement worked to identify the stash house where Flores Carrillo kept his drugs. Flores Carrillo continued to make drug sales of heroin as well as fentanyl. On March 13, 2024, Flores Carrillo agreed to sell 10,000 fentanyl pills. Shortly after he turned over the drugs he was arrested. Law enforcement executed the court authorized search warrant on the presumed stash house. Inside they found large amounts of drugs and an AK-47 style rifle with a grenade launcher attached.

The residence contained approximately seven pounds of fentanyl pills and 43 pounds of suspected methamphetamine. The AK-47 was wrapped as if for resale.

Valenzuela Ayala was the only occupant of the stash house and was arrested. Both men are citizens of Mexico who do not have legal status in the United States.

Conspiracy of distribute narcotics in the amounts in this case is punishable by a mandatory minimum ten years in prison and up to life in prison.

The charges contained in the complaint are only allegations. A person is presumed innocent unless and until he or she is proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

The case is being investigated by the FBI with assistance from the Vancouver Police Department, the Clark County Sheriff’s Office Special Investigation Unit, and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).

The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Zachary Dillon and Max Shiner.