The leader of the Lummi Nation speaks out after arrests in a multi-state drug trafficking ring

BELLINGHAM, Wash. – The chairman of the Lummi Nation released a statement Friday regarding recent arrests made earlier this week in connection with a multi-state drug trafficking ring.

Lummi Nation Chairman Anthony Hillaire issued the following statement on Friday:

The devastating effects of fentanyl leave no one untouched. Our hearts are heavy as we stand with our families who are directly feeling the effects of these medications. As we continue to take meaningful steps to drive change, we send our love and support to everyone affected.

“These arrests are the result of a two-year investigation led by tribal and federal partners that examined the phone of a Lummi Nation overdose victim and identified ties to a drug trafficking organization,” the Lummi Nation wrote in a news release Friday. “In addition, four individuals were arrested on criminal charges related to the distribution of fentanyl within the borders of the Lummi Nation. Three of the four were tribal members, and all were charged with possession of fentanyl with intent to distribute.”

RELATED: 5 King County family members charged with drug trafficking conspiracy in multiple states

On October 3, several law enforcement agencies, including the FBI and DEA, held a press conference to announce their arrests related to the drug organization. During the press conference, U.S. Attorney Tessa M. Gorman said the drug trafficking organization was led by two brothers, Marquis and Markell Jackson.

Seventeen people were arrested Wednesday in connection with the case, according to a statement released by Gorman's office. Several of the people arrested were in western Washington. The two-year investigation looked into the drug trafficking ring that resulted in the distribution of over 800,000 fentanyl pills across the country. Authorities said the Lummi Nation reservation in Whatcom County was targeted for distribution.

Authorities believe the organization purchased the fentanyl pills in bulk from a supplier in Arizona.

Richard Collodi, special agent in charge of FBI Seattle, said 13 search warrants were executed in King and Pierce counties alone. Law enforcement agencies in Georgia, Texas, Missouri and Arizona also executed search warrants and arrests.

The Jackson Drug Trafficking Organization seizes in this case:

• 846,712 fentanyl tablets
• 6.6 kilos of fentanyl powder
• 7.8 kilos of cocaine
• 29 firearms
• More than $116,000 in cash

SEE ALSO: Seattle community activist among 17 arrested in multistate drug ring

Lummi Nation's press release goes on to say that the Lummi Nation Police Department played a “significant role” in the operations, alongside federal agents from the Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA), federal agents from the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), and members of the Border Patrol have.

“The roots of this investigation go back in part to September 2023, when four members of the Lummi Nation died of fentanyl overdoses within just four days,” the Lummi Nation wrote in a press release. “This prompted the Lummi Indian Business Council to declare a state of emergency and call on federal partners to provide assistance in containing the crisis.”

Ten of the 13 people arrested in Washington are being held at the Federal Detention Center in SeaTac. Five of the people arrested are members of the same family.

Authorities from multiple state and federal agencies continue to investigate this case.