Arrests at regional drug trafficking organization

WALLA-WALLA – [News release from the Walla Walla Regional Drug and Gang Task Force] In the early morning hours of July 24, 2024, members of the Walla Walla Regional Drug Gang Task Force assisted the Blue Mountain Enforcement Narcotics Team (BENT), FBI, United States Marshall's Service, Tri Cities METRO Drug Task Force, and DEA in executing search warrants in the 600 block of Juniper St. and the 200 block of Tausick Way in Walla Walla. These search warrants and subsequent arrests were the culmination of a nearly year-long investigation into the Walla Walla area drug trafficking organization led by Vicky Villalobos. Villalobos, 48, and Roger Gutierrez, 39, were both arrested at the Juniper St. address on federal warrants for conspiracy to distribute 50 grams or more of actual methamphetamine, conspiracy to distribute 40 grams or more of fentanyl, and conspiracy to distribute cocaine. Kelly Lee, 65, was arrested at Tausick Way on a federal warrant for conspiracy to traffic cocaine. During the search, approximately $30,000 in cash, four weapons and two pounds of cocaine were seized.

The following individuals were also arrested for their involvement in the drug trafficking organization in Walla
Walla:

Saul Garanzuay, 50, 700 block of South 2nd Ave., on a federal warrant for conspiracy to traffic cocaine.

Faye Cariveau, 49, 500 block of Bryant Avenue, on a federal warrant for conspiracy to distribute cocaine and 40 grams or more of fentanyl.

Antonia Leal, 38, 800 block of Emma St., on a federal warrant for conspiracy to distribute 40 grams or more of fentanyl.

Christian Meza, 29, 1200 block of Olive St., on a federal warrant for conspiracy to distribute 40 grams or more of fentanyl.

All suspects were initially taken to the Walla Walla County Jail and then to Yakima.
The following day, he was taken to the county jail by the United States Marshall's Service.

The Walla Walla Regional Drug Gang Task Force is a multi-jurisdictional team comprised of detectives from the Walla Walla Police Department, College Place Police Department, Walla Walla County Sheriff's Office and the Washington State Department of Corrections.

No further information will be released at this time.