Tri-Cities man found guilty after investigators seize 50,000 fentanyl pills

A Tri-Cities man accused of trafficking fentanyl while trying to evade law enforcement was convicted on a federal drug charge after investigators seized thousands of fentanyl pills, more than a dozen guns, and 13 vehicles linked to the case.

A jury found David Mendoza Ayala, 30, guilty Aug. 13 of possession with intent to distribute 400 grams or more of fentanyl, according to the U.S. Attorney's Office for the Eastern District of Washington.

Mendoza Ayala faces at least 10 years and up to life in prison, followed by at least five years and up to life of supervised release.

According to court documents cited by prosecutors, Mendoza Ayala had been an investigative target of the Drug Enforcement Administration and the Tri-Cities Metro Drug Task Force, and was suspected of large-scale drug trafficking for years.

Prosecutors said Mendoza Ayala went into hiding after learning law enforcement was closing in on him but continued trafficking drugs by using other people's names and addresses to avoid detection.

After months of surveillance and evidence gathering, investigators obtained search warrants for Mendoza Ayala's apartment, two garage units, four storage units, and multiple luxury vehicles.

Authorities said the searches turned up more than 50,000 fentanyl pills, substantial amounts of methamphetamine and cocaine, about $10,000 in suspected drug money, and more than a dozen guns, including AR-style rifles. Investigators also seized 13 vehicles associated with Mendoza Ayala and the drug trafficking operation.

Evidence presented at trial showed two young children were inside Mendoza Ayala's apartment when investigators searched it. Prosecutors said fentanyl-laced pills were scattered on the carpet and elsewhere in the apartment, within feet of the children.

Robert A. Saccone, special agent in charge of the DEA's Seattle Field Division, described the circumstances as showing “a complete disregard for human life.”