Data Insights: Drug Dealing Update: 46 Cases Filed in Q1 of 2026
In the first quarter (January — March) of 2026, King County Prosecutors filed 46 felony drug dealing charges throughout King County. A little over a third of those drug dealing charges occurred either on 12th and Jackson in the Chinatown-International District, Belltown, or 3rd Ave.
More than 75% of the drug dealing cases involved fentanyl or meth or both.
According to the most recent data from Public Health — Seattle and King County, in 2026 there have been 191 confirmed fatal overdoses through April. In 2025, there were 914 confirmed fatal overdoses. Of those, 78% (699) involved fentanyl and 56% (506) involved meth.
“The King County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office will continue to prosecute the people who harm our communities, with a particular focus on holding fentanyl and meth dealers accountable,” said King County Prosecuting Attorney Leesa Manion. “While overdose deaths from fentanyl have decreased since peaking in 2023, we are still losing hundreds of people each year to overdose from these lethal substances.”
Drug dealing cases in Seattle and King County go to the KCPAO. Drug possession and drug use cases in cities go to separate municipal prosecutors, in line with the law.
Some highlights from the KCPAO’s report on drug dealing cases:
- 54% (25) of the drug dealing charges occurred in the City of Seattle
- 20% (9) of the drug dealing charges occurred in downtown Seattle specifically (either near 3rd and Pine OR Belltown)
- 15% (7) of the drug dealing charges occurred on 12th and Jackson in the Chinatown International District
- 52% (24) of the drug dealing charges included fentanyl
- 70% (32) included fentanyl or meth, which is consistent with previous reports compiled by the King County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office.
- 37% (17) involved more than one type of drug
Defendants are innocent until proven guilty in court.
