Seattle leaders have targeted opioid as a major problem among its citizens. Law enforcement are targeting users and sellers of the drug. A recent arrest was near International District. It’s part of an undercover operation to combat open air drug markets in the city.
Seattle’s International District was the area where a 21-year-old Kent man was caught selling the drug. He is facing charges of distribution and possession of fentanyl. Mar’jon Guyton, is charged with two counts of distribution of fentanyl, one count of possession of fentanyl with intent to distribute and one count of unlawful possession of a firearm, according to a March 4 U.S. Department of Justice news release.
Fentanyl is formally used to treat severe cancer pain. The common brands are: Duragesic, Abstral and Subsys. It’s a controlled substance with a high risk for addiction and dependence. It can cause respiratory distress and death when taken in high doses or when combined with other substances, especially alcohol or other illicit drugs such as heroin or cocaine.
Fentanyl is a synthetic opioid that is 80-100 times stronger than morphine. A combination of the Seattle Police Department, King County Sheriff’s Office and the federal Drug Enforcement Administration have been using targeted undercover operations to combat open air drug markets in Seattle.
U.S. Attorney Nick Brown joined Seattle Mayor Bruce Harrell and law enforcement leaders on March 4 to highlight a series of arrests aimed at removing persistent fentanyl dealers—some of whom are illegally armed with firearms—from the 12th Avenue South and South Jackson Street area in Seattle’s International District.
Sixteen people have been arrested for felonies in the undercover operation. These types of cases are often referred to the U.S. Attorney’s Office where the defendant is then charged federally, arrested and held at the Federal Detention Center in SeaTac. There they await further hearings and release date.
