Immigration and Customs Enforcement announced the arrest of the Tacoma Black Gangster Disciples’ ring-leader and 13 others on Feb. 4, 2026, following a wiretap investigation that exposed a sophisticated drug and gun trafficking network spanning multiple states.
The probe, led by Homeland Security Investigations Seattle — a division of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement — began in the fall of 2023. It culminated in approximately 16 to 17 simultaneous search warrants executed across Washington, Oregon and California, resulting in the seizure of 77 firearms, more than 100 Glock switches capable of converting pistols into automatic weapons, and over 17 kilograms of narcotics.
The drugs included 4 kilograms of methamphetamine, 2 kilograms of phenazepam, 924 grams of fentanyl powder, 887.9 grams of fentanyl pills, 557.6 grams of cocaine, 10.5 kilograms of counterfeit oxycodone pills and 268.8 grams of Xanax pills. Authorities said the fentanyl amounts equated to hundreds of thousands of potentially lethal doses.
At the center of the indictment is Kevin Salgado, 27, of Puyallup, Washington, identified as the ringleader and a U.S. citizen. Prosecutors allege Salgado directed the manufacturing of counterfeit oxycodone and Xanax pills, trafficked methamphetamine, fentanyl and cocaine, and distributed them throughout western Washington and nationwide via mail. The group allegedly hacked pharmaceutical distributors to divert controlled substances, bribed and Oregon pharmacist for fake prescriptions and exchanged drugs for firearms.
The Black Gangster Disciples originated in Chicago in the late 1960s as an alliance of local street gangs, later spreading to other U.S. cities; the Tacoma faction operated as an affiliated local group.
“The defendants in this indictment allegedly engaged in a wide range of criminal conduct – pressing narcotic pills for distribution, trafficking firearms and switches to make them machine guns, using those guns to settle scores with rival gangsters,” First Assistant U.S. Attorney Charles Neil Floyd said.
Floyd also emphasized the domestic nature of the case in order to highlight how ICE operations extend well beyond immigration enforcement.
“I highlight this case because it’s one of the great examples that had nothing to do with that. Everyone that was involved in this case was a United States citizen.”
HSI Acting Special Agent in Charge April Miller added: “HSI is relentless in taking down transnational criminal organizations, seizing their drugs, removing their guns, cutting off their money, and bringing their members to justice. Protecting our neighborhoods from illicit activity remains our top priority.”
The joint investigation involved the DEA, FBI, IRS Criminal Investigation, U.S. Postal Inspection Service, ATF, Tacoma Police Department and Seattle Police Department. So far, three overdose deaths have been linked to the group’s drugs. The 14 defendants face federal charges including conspiracy to distribute controlled substances and firearms offenses. The case remains ongoing.
