Seattle has seen an increase in felony drug trafficking prosecutions in 2025. The number of cases charged in the first three quarters has already surpassed the total for all of 2024. On October 24, 2025, Mayor Bruce Harrell and Police Chief Shon Barnes announced that the Seattle Police Department (SPD) referred 193 felony drug trafficking cases to the King County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office (KCPAO) through September. This is a 42% increase over the 136 cases charged in 2024, and 57 more cases than last year.
About 70% of these cases involve fentanyl, methamphetamine, or both. Around 20% include charges of unlawful firearm possession. Many defendants have prior criminal histories that prohibit them from owning guns. City officials say the increase is due to a strategy that combines law enforcement with investments in public health. Mayor Harrell stated that the city is targeting drug traffickers and expanding access to treatment and recovery services. He noted an 18% reduction in overdose deaths in Seattle so far in 2025…