Bellingham Scoop: Thursday Morning

Good morning, Bellingham! It’s January 9th, 2025, and we’ve got a one big police story for you. First, local events:

Today’s and this week’s events:

• Chuckanut Radio Hour's 18th Anniversary Show: Celebrate a Bellingham favorite on Thursday, January 9, at 7:00 p.m. at the New Prospect Theatre. Nostalgia meets entertainment! Details

• [FREE] Break out your roller skates or blades and glide into fun at Depot Market Square for Open Roller Skate Night! Friday, January 10, 2025 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM @ Depot Market Square, 1100 Railroad Ave, Bellingham, WA. DETAILS

• 2nd Saturday Downtown Art Walk this weekend! Kick off your artful evening at the Blaine Art Gallery. Member artwork is at Aloha Café, Drayton Harbor Oyster Company, L&L Bakery, Niemann's Black Forest Steak House, Peace Arch City Café, and The Vault Wine Bar. January 11, 2025 4 - 6:30 p.m. DETAILS

• [FREE] Hike the Chanterelle Trail with the Mount Baker Sierra Club– Explore a scenic 5-mile round trip trail in Lake Whatcom Park this Sunday January 12th (10 a.m. - 4 p.m.), featuring stunning views, native wildlife, and a peaceful meander through young conifer forests. Dogs welcome! Register here.

Big Drug Bust Downtown: 11 Arrested in Fentanyl Crackdown

There was some serious action in downtown Bellingham this week. On Tuesday, January 7, a big collaborative effort by the Whatcom Gang and Drug Task Force (WGDTF), Bellingham Police, Whatcom County Sheriff’s Office, and even the Washington State Department of Corrections resulted in the arrest of 11 people involved in street-level drug sales.

The operation was the culmination of an investigation that started back in November 2024. Officers were responding to mounting concerns from local businesses and residents about open-air drug activity in the central business district.

The Investigation

One key figure in the case? A man named Satan Nehtah Wey (yes, that’s his legal name), who investigators say was running an illegal drug operation from an RV parked on East Magnolia Street. After serving a search warrant on his RV in December, they found:

• Over 100 small packages of suspected fentanyl (totaling about 226 grams).

• Methamphetamine, fentanyl-laced fake oxycontin pills, Suboxone strips, and even some psilocybin mushrooms.

• Over $4,000 in cash, believed to be proceeds from drug sales.

Undercover detectives also made 24 controlled buys of fentanyl and methamphetamine from Nehtah Wey and his associates during the investigation.

The Arrests

This week, officers swept through downtown, arresting Nehtah Wey and 10 others connected to the drug activity. Charges for Nehtah Wey include delivering methamphetamine and fentanyl, possession with intent to sell, and a big one: “Leading Organized Crime.” That’s when someone manages or supervises three or more people in criminal profiteering.

More arrests are expected as the investigation unfolds.

Why This Matters

Let’s be honest: the fentanyl crisis is hitting communities hard, and Bellingham is no exception. Local leaders, including Whatcom County Executive Satpal Sidhu and Bellingham Mayor Kim Lund, have made addressing this crisis a top priority. This operation shows just how seriously law enforcement is taking it.

“Fentanyl is deadly and devastating,” said Lt. Keith Linderman from the Whatcom County Sheriff’s Office. “Protecting our community from those who sell and profit from fentanyl means deploying vital resources like our Gang and Drug Task Force.”

What’s Next?

Authorities say this is just the beginning, with more arrests likely coming. Meanwhile, efforts are ongoing to connect people struggling with substance abuse to resources and support. If you or someone you know needs help, check out Whatcom County Health for local programs.