Five Arrested in Thurston County Drug Trafficking Operation Targeting Minors

Authorities seized cocaine, psilocybin, cannabis, cash, and firearms during search of Lacey home

Published on Feb. 12, 2026

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Thurston County authorities recently busted an armed drug trafficking operation suspected of selling cocaine, psilocybin, and cannabis to minors as young as 13 years old. Five suspects were arrested after a months-long investigation involving multiple law enforcement agencies, which led to the seizure of drugs, cash, and firearms from a home in Lacey, Washington.

Why it matters

Drug trafficking operations involving underage buyers have led to several high-profile homicides in the past, and this bust highlights the ongoing efforts by local authorities to disrupt the distribution of controlled substances to minors, especially when firearms are involved.

The details

During the investigation, authorities surveilled more than 150 minors entering a home along College Street Southeast in Lacey, where the suspected drug distribution activity was taking place. On February 11, detectives searched the home and seized cocaine, psilocybin mushrooms and edibles, approximately 500 cannabis-related items packaged in a manner consistent with youth targeting, over $26,000 in cash, and multiple firearms including an AR-style pistol.

  • The investigation lasted for several months, involving the Thurston County Sheriff Narcotics Task Force (LTD), Lacey Police Department, and Olympia Police Department.
  • The search and arrests took place on February 11, 2026.

The players

Thurston County Sheriff Narcotics Task Force (LTD)

A multi-agency task force responsible for investigating drug trafficking operations in Thurston County.

Lacey Police Department

The local law enforcement agency that led the investigation and executed the search warrant.

Olympia Police Department

Another law enforcement agency that assisted in the investigation.

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What they’re saying

“The investigation remains active. LPD, TNT and our partners are committed to disrupting drug trafficking organizations that endanger community safety—particularly those involving the distribution of controlled substances to minors with the presence of firearms.”

— Lacey Police Department (Social media posts)

What’s next

The investigation is ongoing as authorities work to disrupt the drug trafficking operation and hold the suspects accountable.

The takeaway

This bust highlights the ongoing efforts by local law enforcement to combat the distribution of illegal drugs, especially those targeting minors, and the dangers posed by the presence of firearms in these operations.