The Southwest Precinct's Anti-Crime Team, with a welcome assist from Mother Nature, recently put a dent into the methamphetamine trade in West Seattle, making five arrests and seizing over a kilo of illegal drugs, $6,000 cash, a car and a handgun.

In February, patrol officers responded to a domestic violence call at a home in the 8000 block of Fauntleroy Southwest. During the incident and arrest, the officers recovered a significant quantity of methamphetamine. A follow up investigation at the residence in March led to the arrest of a suspect for burglary and the recovery of over $50,000 in stolen property.

Ongoing surveillance throughout April linked the Fauntleroy house to additional suspects and locations in Arbor Heights and led to the arrest of a dealer, a supplier and two drug couriers. In April, investigators served a narcotics search warrant at the Fauntleroy house and arrested the resident, along with a small amount of meth and a handgun. Officials are also exploring links between activities at these residences and the recent rash of break-ins and thefts at ATM machines throughout the area.

Mother Nature received some official kudos for the success of the operation. It seems that Spring's streak of dark and stormy nights put a damper on local street crime, allowing officers to focus attention and resources on the meth investigation.

Megan Sheppard can be reached via wseditor@robinsonnews.com