Editor’s note: Updated at 11:01 a.m. on 10/2/24 to identify the suspect and include updated information.

WHATCOM COUNTY, WA (MyBellinghamNow.com) – A seventh person has been arrested in connection to a fentanyl trafficking ring operating in Whatcom County.

Whatcom County Sheriff’s Office spokesperson Amy Cloud says a deputy was conducting a traffic stop on Sept. 29 when they learned that law enforcement had already been looking for the driver.

A search of the woman’s vehicle turned up approximately 164 grams of suspected fentanyl powder and 10 grams of suspected methamphetamine. Deputies also found other items that are typically used in drug dealing including a digital scale, paper money and several zip lock bags—one that contained drug residue.

Probable cause for woman’s arrest had been previously issued due to her prior involvement with the ringleader of an Everett-based drug trafficking organization.

MBN previously reported on five arrests, including the ringleader’s, that were made in August and an additional arrest that was made just last week in connection to the drug racket.

Law enforcement was led to believe that the woman was one of the Whatcom County-based dealers in the operation after she was stopped earlier in the year with “distribution quantities” of drugs on her.

The suspect, identified by police as 24-year-old Kaitlin Nelson, was arrested on Sept. 29 following the traffic stop and was released on bond the following day.