Woman who ran drug trafficking ring sentenced to prison

A woman identified by police and federal investigators as the leader of a violent drug trafficking ring in Spokane was sentenced to 15 years in prison this week.

Aarayana Leigh Malcolm, 46, pleaded guilty to possession with intent to distribute more than 50 grams of methamphetamine in October. In addition to 15 years in prison she was sentenced to 10 years of probation, according to a news release from the U.S. Attorney’s Office.

The investigation into Malcolm began when a towing company reported finding over 340 grams of meth and 50 grams of black tar heroin in a car she had been driving. Malclom was eventually connected to three drive-by shootings and an improvised explosive device that detonated under a car in the 5800 block of North Monroe in June 2013, the release said.

Seven additional people involved in the drug trafficking ring have pleaded guilty to charges ranging from being a felon in possession of explosives to possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine.