WHATCOM COUNTY, WA (MyBellinghamNow.com) – Multiple arrests have been made in the pursuit to cut down drug trafficking in Whatcom County.
Whatcom County Sheriff’s Office spokesperson Deb Slater says the Whatcom Gang and Drug Task Force has arrested four people.
The four were charged with a total of 24 charges related to cocaine trafficking, unlawful firearm possession and resisting law enforcement. Searches were conducted at the 2200 block of Valencia Street in Bellingham and the 2300 block of Main Street in Ferndale on Wednesday, Nov. 6.
48-year-old Eric Ventress of Bellingham was taken into custody for his suspected role in maintaining the Valencia Street address. He was also held for domestic violence charges stemming from an incident in June.
Slater adds 32-year-old Juan Mendoza from Sedro Woolley was arrested with 19-year-old Morgan Stewart of Burlington at the Ferndale residence. Video equipment captured Mendoza and Stewart hiding in the attic and apparently destroying evidence after law enforcement ordered them to exit the house.
A fourth person, identified as 41-year-old Steven Barnett from Oak Harbor, was arrested on Wednesday as well. Investigators believe Barnett supplied cocaine to Ventress.
Drugs and multiple firearms were recovered at multiple sites during the searches and arrests.
All four suspects are at the Whatcom County Jail without bail.
