14 Tacoma Gang Members Indicted for Massive Drug Trafficking

Feds dismantle sophisticated multi-state pill press operation linked to Tacoma street gang

Feb. 6, 2026 at 9:15pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Federal agents have dismantled a major drug trafficking ring tied to a Tacoma street gang, arresting and indicting 14 people across three states. Investigators seized large amounts of fentanyl-laced counterfeit pills, other narcotics, more than 80 illegal firearms and over 100 Glock switches used to convert handguns to fully automatic weapons.

Why it matters

This bust highlights the growing threat of counterfeit pills laced with deadly drugs like fentanyl, which have fueled a nationwide overdose crisis. It also underscores the dangerous nexus between drug trafficking and illegal firearms, especially the proliferation of Glock switches that can turn pistols into machine guns, posing a serious threat to public safety.

The details

The 14 suspects were part of a sophisticated, multi-state drug trafficking operation run by 27-year-old Kevin Salgado of Puyallup. The group produced counterfeit pills made to look like legitimate medications like oxycodone and Xanax, but were actually laced with fentanyl, meth, and heroin. They used a method to obtain legitimate prescriptions from a Portland pharmacy, then diverted those pills into the illicit market. In total, law enforcement seized nearly 900 grams of fentanyl pills, over 900 grams of fentanyl powder, hundreds of grams of meth, cocaine, and other drugs, as well as more than 80 illegal firearms including short-barreled rifles, AK-47s, and fully automatic pistols.

  • The investigation began in Fall 2023.
  • The arrests and seizures occurred on February 4, 2026.

The players

Kevin Salgado

A 27-year-old Puyallup resident identified as the leader of the drug trafficking organization.

Homeland Security Investigations (HSI)

The lead federal agency that tracked the large, international pill-press operation.

Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA)

Assisted in the investigation and provided details on the counterfeit pill operation.

U.S. Alcohol Tobacco & Firearms (ATF)

Provided information on the seizure of over 100 illegal "Glock switches" that can convert semi-automatic pistols to fully automatic.

Neil Floyd

First Assistant U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Washington, who called the operation a "completely successful" effort to get "guns, drugs, and dangerous people off the street."

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“Completely successful operation of getting guns, drugs, and dangerous people off the street because of the great work of HSI.”

— Neil Floyd, First Assistant U.S. Attorney, Western District of Washington

“Can you imagine 100 machine guns out there in the street in the hands of gangs and criminals intending on committing violence? Just shoot up hundreds of rounds within mere seconds. It's very impactful to the community and very impactful to the safety of the community and law enforcement who are investigating these crimes.”

— Jonathan Blais, Special Agent in Charge, U.S. Alcohol Tobacco & Firearms (ATF)

What’s next

The 14 suspects are scheduled to appear in federal court in Tacoma next week to face charges of Conspiracy to Distribute Controlled Substances, with five also charged with Conspiracy to Possess Firearms in Furtherance of Drug Trafficking Crimes.

The takeaway

This bust demonstrates the dangerous intersection of drug trafficking, illegal firearms, and violent street gangs, highlighting the need for continued coordination between federal, state, and local law enforcement to disrupt these sophisticated criminal networks and keep communities safe.