Mexican national sentenced to 12 years in prison for drug trafficking in WA

A Mexican national who operated a large-scale drug trafficking network in Washington state was sentenced this week to over 11 years in federal prison, following a plea agreement on fentanyl distribution charges.

Jose Bautista Andrade, 46, of Mexico, was sentenced to 132 months in prison and five years of supervised release by Chief US District Judge Stanley A. Bastian. The sentence stems from Andrade’s role in a drug ring with ties to a Mexico-based dealer that moved large quantities of methamphetamine and fentanyl across state lines.

Federal prosecutors said Andrade acted as a courier and distributor, regularly traveling to California to pick up drugs, which he then stored at his residence and in storage units in the Yakima area. He later delivered the drugs to buyers across Western Washington and collected payment on behalf of his associates.

In the fall of 2023, the FBI conducted two undercover controlled buys from Andrade, purchasing a total of four pounds of methamphetamine during meetings at the Tacoma Mall.

Authorities escalated their investigation in early 2024. On February 6, agents executed search warrants at Andrade’s home and a storage unit, uncovering a significant drug cache: nearly five pounds of fentanyl pills, 84 pounds of methamphetamine, and four firearms.

At sentencing, Judge Bastian emphasized the volume of narcotics involved and identified Andrade as a key figure in a broader trafficking network.

“Even in small quantities, fentanyl and other dangerous drugs can kill, destroying lives and devastating communities,” said W. Mike Herrington, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI’s Seattle Field Office. “Mr. Bautista Andrade was found to possess not small quantities, but several dozen pounds of methamphetamine and thousands of fentanyl pills. By removing this drug trafficker and his supplies from the streets, our investigators have undoubtedly made Yakima a safer place.”

Acting US Attorney Richard R. Barker praised the work of Assistant US Attorney Benjamin D. Seal for securing the conviction. “Prosecuting cases like this—where the scale of drug trafficking threatens the health and safety of entire communities—is essential to our mission,” Barker said. “AUSA Seal’s work exemplifies the dedication and excellence we strive for in the Eastern District of Washington.”

The investigation was conducted by the FBI, the Yakima County Sheriff’s Office, and the Thurston County Narcotics Task Force.