BELLINGHAM, WA (MyBellinghamNow.com) – A multi-agency investigation into a major drug trafficking organization led to five arrests in Whatcom County.

The Whatcom County Sheriff’s Office says that the Whatcom Gang and Drug Task Force and the Drug Enforcement Administration began surveillance on drug use in downtown Bellingham earlier this year. Overdose related 911 calls in the area have more than tripled in the first three months of this year when compared to 2023.

Their investigation found connections to a large Mexican drug trafficking operation.

Investigators issued search warrants Wednesday, March 20, on two vehicles and two locations. One location was in rural Ferndale and the another was on the Guide Meridian in Bellingham. The search yielded over 3 pounds of suspected fentanyl powder, a sawed-off shotgun, drug paraphernalia and over $6000 in cash.

While conducting their search in Ferndale, investigators witnessed a car leaving another location of interest. A passenger in that car, 29-year-old Carlos Monreal Ceballos, was taken into custody after investigators found a container full of suspected fentanyl powder under his seat.

Three other people arrested on Wednesday have been identified as 35-year-old Victor Alcala Arellanes, 24-year-old Jesus Garcia Covarrubias, and 23-year-old Carlos Ramos Navarrette. A fifth person, 48-year-old Theron Chin, is already in custody for separate crimes.

All five of the arrested individuals face at least one charge of drug possession with intent to deliver. Covarrubias, Navarrette and Ceballos also face alien gun possession charges.

Investigators add they’re looking for three more co-conspirators who they will not identify until they are taken into custody.