Last Thursday the culmination of a lot of hard work by Detectives of the Bremerton Special Operations group came to fruition. A case that started with Bremerton Detectives and grew into a multi-state operation came to a head. The Department of Justice's news release is provided below in case you missed it:

MULTI-STATE INTERNATIONAL DRUG TRAFFICKING ORGANIZATION TARGETED IN 18-MONTH INVESTIGATION

Significant Bitcoin Money Launderer Arrested as Key Link between Drug Proceeds and Ring Leader in Mexico

A law enforcement operation making arrests and serving search warrants over the last two days targeted a multi-state drug trafficking network led by drug cartel members in Mexico, announced U.S. Attorney Annette L. Hayes. The drug trafficking organization distributing heroin, fentanyl, cocaine and methamphetamine was active in Washington State, New York, Arizona, Oregon, California, Tennessee, and Utah. The group allegedly used a Manhattan Beach, California, cryptocurrency business to launder and transfer money to Mexico. The owner of that business, GREGORY DAVID WERBER, 56, was arrested last night and appeared in U.S. District Court in the Central District of California today. Other defendants appeared in U.S. District Court in Tacoma today.

"Overdoses involving fentanyl are growing at an alarming rate in Washington State," said U.S. Attorney Annette L. Hayes. "We are committed to bringing all needed resources to identifying and prosecuting groups that distribute this deadly poison in our communities. I commend the Drug Enforcement Administration and their federal, state and local law enforcement partners who developed the evidence that led to the arrests that occurred today."

Over December 5th and 6th, 2018, more than 400 federal, state and local law enforcement officers executed fifty-one federal arrest warrants and search warrants on more than 50 buildings and 35 vehicles. In Western Washington the group distributed heroin, crystal methamphetamine and fentanyl-laced counterfeit oxycodone pills in Pierce, Kitsap, King, Skagit and Snohomish Counties. Over the course of the investigation law enforcement seized thousands of counterfeit oxycodone pills tainted with fentanyl, a powerful and potentially deadly opioid. Following one seizure from a vehicle, Washington State Patrol troopers were treated for their accidental exposure.

"The dangerous pills containing fentanyl flowing through this pipeline operated by this Western Washington distribution network has been shut down," said DEA Special Agent in Charge Keith Weis. "Those profiting from pushing illicit opioids such as fentanyl and heroin into our most vulnerable communities will be met with a significant law enforcement response."

The investigation began 18 months ago with drug seizures by the Bremerton Police Department. More recently, on November 28, 2018, law enforcement seized more than 13 pounds of heroin from the engine compartment of a semi-truck driven by a frequent smuggler for the ring. In addition to coded cell phone conversations, many of the members of the ring also communicated via Facebook messenger. Today alone, law enforcement seized 39 firearms and more than 4 kilos of heroin.

"An agency the size of Bremerton can impact crime on a larger scale when it is able to partner with agencies like the DEA," said Bremerton Chief of Police James Burchett. "I am very proud of the hard work and dedication of all the officers and agents that made this operation a reality.

Thanks for being vigilant?

Officer Clevenger responded to suspicious white foam-like particles floating in a construction site. The particles would fall to the ground only to be swept back into the air when a sudden gust of wind passed through the streets of our City. Officer Clevenger put on his very best detective boots and quickly rendered the suspicious scene safe. Apparently, the 911 caller failed to observe the laborer attempting to corral all the Styrofoam debris which were the collateral damage in the constructing process.

Better safe than sorry I always say.

If you don't have a license and have drugs, maybe at least wear your seatbelt?

Officer Forbragd observed a vehicle pass him where both the passenger and driver were not wearing seatbelts. The driver was contacted for not wearing a seatbelt. However, she stated she was suspended. This information was confirmed. The passenger, who was less than cooperative, admitted to not wearing a seatbelt. The driver was secured in hand restraints and the passenger was issued a seatbelt ticket or NOI for notice of infraction.

When Officer Forbragd approached the vehicle, he observed numerous items he recognized as drug paraphernalia. Poulsbo K9 arrived on scene and alerted on the vehicle. The vehicle was impounded and delivered to the BPD Evidence Garage pending the request for a search warrant.

Super Drunk Hit and Run

Officers were dispatched to a hit and run collision on Halverson in which the driver struck several parked cars. She was located a short distance away where she admitted to having an intoxicating evening at a local bar. She was taken into custody.

Occupied Stolen

"Lojack", an anti-theft device, is installed on some patrol vehicles. If a car is stolen, law enforcement units with specially-equipped cars, will get pings when the stolen car is within range, and can then triangulate hits. Officer Guiney located a vehicle on Warren Avenue, but it disappeared before he could get turned around on it. A few minutes later, Officer Hughes (it's always Officer Hughes) located the vehicle and followed it into the McDonald's parking lot on Kitsap Way. Officer Hughes and Guiney conducted a felony stop, ultimately arresting the driver who had a felony warrant, dope and a revoked license (1st degree!).

Internet Extortion

What do you do when someone threatens to release your distasteful browsing history to the world unless you fork over $817 in bitcoin (whatever that is)? I hope your answer "nothing" because in that case the unnamed suspect presumably from another part of the world will send follow-up emails demanding $917 in bitcoin and then $939; outrageous. This one is going straight to detectives, and probably the FBI.

"There is a suspicious car in my driveway. Can you please make them leave?"

A west side resident called 911 to report an unknown car in his driveway with someone inside of it. Officers receive these calls all the time.

Well, Corporal Vertefeuille showed up and contacted the occupant of this suspicious car. He was drunk alright, but he also had blood all over him from being shot. This resulted in the entire shift to respond. Detectives and supervisors were also called out.

The plot thickened when no one would answer the door at the house, and the reporting party wouldn't answer his phone. Through the window of the kitchen door of the house, officers could see blood drops all over the place. So many unanswered questions. Where was the homeowner/RP? What was the relationship between him and the victim? Whose blood was inside the house?

Officers used the Public Address (PA) to call out the homeowner/caller. He chose not to provide any information as to what happened and why there was blood all over his house.

Officers checked the house for safety to make sure no one else was shot inside. Detectives then applied for a search warrant and retrieved firearms from the house. The victim is going to recover and is cooperating with the investigation. The homeowner/suspect was booked into jail for 1st degree Assault with a Firearm.

Before the incident, the two involved parties were reported to be friends. That status may have changed dramatically.

Meanwhile in Gorst...

Corporal Hall and Officer Avery responded to a one-car collision out on the ol' Belfair Highway.

Yes, it's upside down in the brush.

The driver zigged when he should have zagged or in this case gone straight. Drinking liquor and driving will have that effect on people. Future MADD award winner Officer Avery investigated the driver for DUI. The driver said he had six beers after work in Seattle and was making his way home when he must have fallen asleep and went off the roadway.

After filed sobriety tests (FST's), the driver was placed under arrest and blew around a .230 (!) on the Draeger. He went to people jail and his car went to car jail. Remember that the legal limit in Washington is .08. That is nearly 3 times the legal limit.

Please don't drink and drive. The life you save could be your own.

Tom Wolfe, Captain