Tommy Pham Sentenced for Seattle Drug Trafficking

Tommy Pham, a 39-year-old resident of Newcastle, Washington, was sentenced to ten years in prison for his role as a leader and supplier in a drug trafficking operation in Seattle. Pham was involved in distributing methamphetamine, heroin, cocaine, and fentanyl, particularly targeting Seattle's homeless encampments and the International District, the U.S. Attorney's Office announced.

Pham's sentencing took place in the U.S. District Court in Seattle, where Judge Tana Lin highlighted the severe impact of his actions on the community. "You weren't only playing with your own life but with the lives of thousands of people for the drugs you were pumping into our community," Judge Lin stated during the hearing.

The investigation into Pham's activities began in November 2023, led by the FBI, Seattle Police Department, and DEA. The authorities focused on a drug trafficking organization operating in Seattle's homeless encampments and the International District. The investigation utilized a court-authorized wiretap to gather evidence, leading to multiple arrests and seizures.

In January 2025, during an arrest operation, law enforcement seized 17 firearms and various controlled substances. Five firearms were found in Pham's residence and vehicle. Pham was arrested at a nearby casino with methamphetamine, marijuana, and a firearm.

Pham pleaded guilty to the charges in February 2026. This was not Pham's first encounter with the law; he had a prior federal drug conviction and prison sentence. Despite a previous three-year sentence, Pham continued his illegal activities, prompting Acting U.

S. Attorney Charles Neil Floyd to emphasize the need for a lengthy sentence to protect the community.

Pham's drug trafficking operation involved selling fentanyl pills, methamphetamine, heroin, and cocaine directly to individuals and through distributors in Seattle's vulnerable communities. The operation targeted areas such as 'The Jungle,' a homeless encampment under I-5.

Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Seattle field office, W. Mike Herrington, remarked on Pham's role as a leader and supplier, stating that Pham worked with other conspirators to distribute dangerous drugs in Seattle. Robert A. Saccone, Special Agent in Charge of the DEA Seattle Field Division, noted Pham's greed-driven actions, which prioritized profit over human life.

Pham is the fifth and final defendant to be sentenced in this case. Other co-conspirators received sentences ranging from 30 to 120 months. Following his prison term, Pham will serve five years of supervised release.