Seattle Drug Leader Who Targeted Homeless Gets 10 Years

SEATTLE — The leader of a drug trafficking organization that supplied fentanyl, cocaine, methamphetamine and heroin to Seattle’s International District and nearby homeless encampments will spend 10 years in federal prison.

U.S. District Judge Tana Lin sentenced 34-year-old Federal Way resident Octavio Salazar Palma on Wednesday, Aug. 5. Investigators arrested him in May 2025 after a lengthy wiretap investigation uncovered an interstate drug distribution and money laundering operation.

“You were a leader in the drug conspiracy, you were the source of an extraordinary amount of drugs in our community,” Lin said during sentencing. “Despite multiple seizures by law enforcement you did not stop, only the arrest made you stop.”

Street-Level Investigation Uncovered Drug Supply Network

The case began with Seattle officers investigating drug sales in the International District and nearby encampments. According to the U.S. Attorney’s Office, investigators followed the organization’s supply chain until prosecutors secured authorization for a wiretap.

“This case began with officers on the street working their way up the supply chain until prosecutors had enough evidence to get a court approved wiretap,” First Assistant U.S. Attorney Neil Floyd said. “The wiretap allowed us to identify the leaders, and more importantly, interdict drug shipments before they hit our streets.”

Floyd said the U.S. Attorney’s Office remains focused on the public safety and law enforcement challenges affecting the International District.

Investigators Seized Nearly $3 Million in Drugs

During March 2025, investigators seized approximately 100 pounds of methamphetamine, 111 kilograms of cocaine, 19 kilograms of fentanyl powder, 250,000 fentanyl pills and four kilograms of heroin.

Federal prosecutors estimated the combined street value at nearly $3 million.

Investigators said the organization transported large quantities of cocaine from Southern California into Washington. In one month, authorities intercepted more than $1 million worth of cocaine connected to the operation.

“Led by his own greed, Mr. Salazar Palma piloted an interstate conspiracy to distribute obscene and lethal amounts of dangerous drugs through the International District and homeless encampments in Seattle,” FBI Seattle Special Agent in Charge W. Mike Herrington said. “No amount of profit can justify the cost of putting members of our own community at such a risk.”

Officers Served 16 Search Warrants

Prosecutors Say Palma Profited From Vulnerable People

Prosecutors requested a sentence of 140 months, or 11 years and eight months. They argued that Palma trafficked drugs for personal profit rather than to support his own substance use.

Agents found nearly $20,000 in drug proceeds while searching his home. Palma also agreed to forfeit a 2024 BMW M3 Competition xDrive, a 2021 Chevrolet Tahoe LT and jewelry purchased with proceeds from the operation.

“Mr. Salazar Palma led the drug trafficking organization that targeted some of Seattle’s most vulnerable, living in encampments in ‘The Jungle,’ while he bought expensive cars and jewelry with the profits,” DEA Seattle Special Agent in Charge Robert A. Saccone said.

Saccone said the sentence and drug seizures demonstrate the agency’s effort to disrupt the fentanyl supply chain and dismantle criminal distribution networks.

Multiple Agencies Participated in Investigation

The FBI, Seattle Police Department and Drug Enforcement Administration led the investigation. The IRS Criminal Investigation division, Homeland Security Investigations, the High Intensity Drug Trafficking Areas program and Washington National Guard Counterdrug Program provided additional assistance.

Investigators also worked with Oregon State Police and the Clark County Sheriff’s Office.

Assistant U.S. Attorneys Casey Conzatti and Brian Wynne prosecuted the case as part of the federal Homeland Security Task Force initiative.

Palma is a U.S. citizen. After completing his prison sentence, he must serve four years under federal supervision.

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