On February 19, 2025, Erubey Arciga Medrano was sentenced to 15 years in federal prison by United States District Judge Thomas O. Rice. The sentencing took place in Spokane, Washington. Medrano, a 35-year-old from Michoacan, Mexico, faced charges related to drug trafficking. In addition to the prison term, Judge Rice imposed five years of supervised release on Medrano.
Medrano was identified as the leader of a drug trafficking organization that distributed methamphetamine and fentanyl across parts of Eastern Washington. This included areas such as Oroville and the Colville Indian Reservation. The Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA) initially identified Medrano's activities in January 2023.
From January to March 2023, law enforcement agencies including the BIA, Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), and state and tribal authorities conducted controlled drug purchases from Medrano's network. On April 19, 2023, multiple agencies executed federal search warrants in rural Okanogan County near Oroville. The operation resulted in the seizure of approximately 161,000 fentanyl-laced pills, about 80 pounds of methamphetamine, six pounds of heroin, over two pounds of cocaine, and around twelve firearms.
Acting United States Attorney Richard Barker commented on the case: “The volume of drugs and firearms seized during this operation is staggering.” He praised the collaborative efforts of various law enforcement teams that led to safer communities in Eastern Washington.
Deputy Associate Director Tom Atkinson from BIA Division of Drug Enforcement highlighted the impact on tribal communities: “The impact... cannot be quantified.” He expressed gratitude for partnerships with law enforcement agencies that contributed to dismantling organizations exploiting Indian Country.
David F. Reames from DEA Seattle Division emphasized accountability for traffickers: “Drug traffickers like Mr. Medrano profit from the pain they cause selling poison.”
The investigation involved several agencies including BIA Division of Drug Enforcement and DEA along with local task forces and tribal police departments. Prosecutors for this case were Acting United States Attorney Richard R. Barker and Assistant United States Attorney Nowles H. Heinrich.