Seattle Drug Traffickers Sentenced to Six Years for Major Role in Narcotics and Firearms Operation

SEATTLE — Two key members of a dangerous Seattle-based drug trafficking ring have been sentenced to federal prison following a long-term investigation that exposed the group’s extensive narcotics distribution and illegal firearms possession.

Khaliil Ahmed, 27, and Yohannes Wondimagegnehu, 36, each received 72 months in prison followed by three years of supervised release, U.S. District Judge John H. Chun announced. Both men played what prosecutors described as “significant roles” in an operation that distributed large quantities of controlled substances while amassing a cache of illegal weapons.

Acting U.S. Attorney Teal Luthy Miller emphasized the severity of their crimes, noting the high risk posed to the community.

Major Seizures in Multi-Agency Investigation

The investigation — involving Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), Seattle Police Department (SPD), FBI, DEA, and other agencies — resulted in a series of large-scale seizures:

Over 19 kilograms of fentanyl
12 firearms during the initial arrests
More than $130,000 in cash
In a related October operation:
- 50+ additional firearms
- Thousands of rounds of ammunition
- Hundreds of thousands of dollars in cash and jewelry
- 1 kilogram of fentanyl and 4 kilograms of cocaine

The U.S. Attorney’s Office described the seizures as a significant disruption to a well-organized criminal network.

Ahmed’s Criminal History and Violence

Prosecutors highlighted Ahmed’s history of violent encounters involving firearms.

Linked to a fatal shootout at a local hookah bar.
Captured on surveillance in a First Hill apartment, where he brandished a gun at a victim.

This record, combined with his role in trafficking dangerous drugs like fentanyl, led the court to view him as a serious public safety threat.

Wondimagegnehu’s University District Operations

Wondimagegnehu ran operations from a University District apartment that became infamous for drug activity. Even after a leader of the conspiracy was fatally shot there in June 2024, he continued using the location for trafficking.

A later search warrant at his home uncovered:

Eight firearms
A variety of narcotics
A money counting machine believed to be used for handling drug profits

Wider Criminal Organization

The broader conspiracy involves 14 defendants:

Seven have already pleaded guilty and are awaiting sentencing.
One remains at large.
Lead defendant, Ali Kuyateh (aka “Pops”), is set to go on trial in spring 2026.

The case is part of the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) initiative, which targets high-level criminal enterprises with a coordinated, intelligence-driven approach.

Prosecution and Community Impact

Assistant U.S. Attorneys Michelle Jensen and Joseph Silvio are prosecuting the case. They stressed that this operation reflects a concentrated effort to stop the influx of illegal drugs and firearms into Seattle.

Officials say the sentences send a clear message that those contributing to the region’s drug and gun violence will face serious consequences.

“This is about dismantling a network that was poisoning our community,” Miller said. “Every kilogram of fentanyl removed from our streets represents lives saved.”

With Ahmed and Wondimagegnehu behind bars — and the investigation ongoing — law enforcement hopes to deliver an even more decisive blow to the organization in the coming months.