KING COUNTY, Wash. — Two King County men were charged with drug trafficking after allegedly selling pills presumed to be laced with fentanyl that killed a Navy sailor, the U.S. Attorney’s Office announced.
Chase Friedrich, 28, and Raoul Normandia, Jr., 28, were arrested on April 21 and April 28, respectively, in King County.
Officials began investigating April 18 when a Navy sailor was found dead on a ship with two pills in his pocket, presumed to be laced with fentanyl.
The Naval Criminal Investigative Services were able to determine that Friedrich had supplied the sailor with the pills, a press release said. A search of his apartment revealed cocaine, a handgun and a bag of around 100 counterfeit pills.
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Investigators said they then identified Normandia as the supplier of the drugs. Police arrested him a few blocks from his home and found cocaine in the car. When searching Normandia’s home, officers found firearms, ammunition, body armor and narcotics. Police also found scales, bags, Moneygram receipts and cellphones indicating possible drug trading.
Both men are being held on a federal charge of possession of controlled substances with intent to distribute.
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