Bags of seized methamphetamine.U.S. Please keep your comments respectful and relevant. Oregon legalized recreational marijuana in 2015. NBC5 News first reported about the drug bust over the weekend now were getting more information on this massive bust. (RELATED: $1.7 Million Worth Of Washed Up Cocaine, 62 Pounds Of Marijuana Found In Florida Keys). Share. Vander Kamp said about 20 people were detained and later released by detectives at the scene. Police in Oregon say they have seized 250 tons of illegal marijuana worth an estimated $500 million from several industrial warehouses in White City, a small community near the California border. The arrest of a West Salem man Tuesday led to the seizure of 28 pounds of. Federal and local police say they arrested the leader of a drug trafficking cell, 47-year-old Martin Manzo-Negrete, on Sept. 15 in Eugene. A bust the agency called 'epic . All rights reserved (About Us). Subscriber offer:Support local journalism that makes a difference in the community. MCSO described the bust as one of the largest pill seizures by MCSO's Special Investigations Unit in recent history. "Our efforts will be spent seeking out and charging the 'management' and command persons of this operation in Oregon, the United States and Mexico. Four other people were also arrested on federal drug charges. MALIN, Ore. - On August 3, 2021, Oregon State Police Detectives served a search warrant at an illegal marijuana grow on Harpold Road, Malin, Oregon. Use of and/or registration on any portion of this site constitutes acceptance of our User Agreement, Privacy Policy and Cookie Statement, and Your Privacy Choices and Rights (each updated 1/26/2023). If you would like to share a story idea, please submit it here. EUGENE The U.S. Attorney's office in Oregon announced Monday that authorities had made the largest methamphetamine bust in the state's history, seizing drugs with a street value of more than. Did you encounter any technical issues? Vander Kamp said law enforcement had been watching the property for two years, but that now was the time to conduct the raid due to its impacts on the community. https://t.co/Ccyvr4hGnt, The Associated Press (@AP) November 20, 2021. This is a very involved investigation and will be ongoing for several weeks, officials said in a statement. Members of both the Crook County Sheriffs Office and the Prineville Police Department assisted CODE detectives throughout this investigation, which also included narcotics K-9 Jett from the Crook County Sheriffs Office. Manzo-Negrete appeared in federal court Sept. 16, where he was ordered to be detained pending court proceedings. Detectives also seized 2,800 pounds of processed marijuana, two pistols and an AR-15 rifle. DCIME detectives were aided in the investigation, eradication and dismantling of the site by the Central Oregon Drug Enforcement team, Bend and Redmond police, the Deschutes and Crook County sheriffs offices and the Alfalfa Fire Department, as well as the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration. Some of the drugs were hidden inside soda cans. We believe some of the workers we encountered are 'contractors' that travel around during the marijuana cultivation season, making a handsome income. The search warrant led to seizure of 9,227 marijuana plants in various stages of growth in 49 greenhouses, he said. Contact him atlkrauss@registerguard.com, and follow him on Twitter@LouisKraussNews. Most of these larger seizures, like what youre seeing here will be months to year-long investigations, said Cpt. Barney is the digital content director for NewsChannel 21. OSP said investigators found that several of the individuals at the warehouses who were initially detained, identified, interviewed and released were migrant workers living on site. All Rights Reserved. So our goal is to kind of identify the 'head of the snake' and work our way to find out where that person is.". 0:56. County officials. Updated Notifications can be turned off anytime in the browser settings. Several suspects, both foreign and domestic, have been identified. Photo courtesy Salem It is certainly an issue we deal with on a daily basis here.. These large grows have flooded the market - a pound of cannabis that was worth $3,000 in 2009 here might now fetch $400, all but killing the industry for small-time legal growers. (Update: More details on migrant workers' status), Detectives say most laborers were Mexican nationals illegally trafficked into US, forced to work. The joint operation was led by the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration and yielded 384 pounds of meth, stolen guns and more than $76,000 in cash. EUGENE The U.S. Attorneys office in Oregon announced Monday that authorities had made the largest methamphetamine bust in the states history, seizing drugs with a street value of more than $1 million. MCSO did not identify the suspect, and said he was subject to further investigation. If you purchase a product or register for an account through one of the links on our site, we may receive compensation. State police seized a large amount of illegal marijuana in a bust outside Medford, Oregon, hauling in around 500,000 pounds, with an estimated street value of $500 million, Oregon State police said. Thecase was investigated by the DEA with assistance from Springfield and Eugene police, andthe Linn Interagency Narcotics Enforcement team. Cannabis is one industry that's actually coming out of Covid even stronger. However, our investigators chose to handle this unusual situation more as a humanitarian effort, to ensure their safety and well-being. In September 2011, Portland Police netted the largest drug bust in the bureau's history. Federal and local police say they arrested the leader of a drug trafficking cell, 47-year-old Martin Manzo-Negrete, on Sept. 15 in Eugene. Feel free to contact her at, 2022-23 NFL Sunday Night Football schedule, Oregon State Police investigating the largest bust in Oregon history, Weed HS girls basketball wins first section title, Brookings PD officer resigns after council votes to reinstate city manager, In the race to store renewable energy, a Northwest lab is inching closer. A bust the agency called epic due to the scale of the operation thats now making national headlines. ALFALFA, Ore. (KTVZ) 'Millions of dollars worth of marijuana,' Central Oregon drug detectives, assisted by the Deschutes County Sheriffs Office SWAT Team, raided and dismantled a 30-acre illegal marijuana grow in Alfalfa operated by a Mexican drug cartel, seizing more than 9,200 plants in whats likely the largest such bust in county history, deputies said Friday. Learn more about Carly here. During the operation, which spanned over two days, an epic amount of illegal, processed marijuana and a firearm were seized, the Facebook post reads. After receiving information that a large amount of drugs would be . The Deschutes County Sheriff's Office does not enforce federal immigration laws. Carly Keenan is a multimedia journalist and producer for NewsChannel 21. Court documents revealed the organization, led by suspect Luis Antonio Beltran Arrendondo, 32, of Las Vegas, had been under investigation by Drug Enforcement Agents since fall 2021.. Federal agents say they seized 384 pounds of methamphetamine the largest seizure in Oregon history during a September drug trafficking investigation in Lane County. For example, residents in Alfalfa and nearby areas have been struggling with consistent groundwater sources. Information was developed that there was potentially an illegal marijuana grow at a 150-acre property on Harpold Road. The investigation originated in Gresham, MCSO said, and was led by a Gresham Police Department detective who had been assigned to the MCSO Special Investigations Unit. Oct 04, 2021 10:40 AM, SOU president gets feedback on realignment plan, Oregon will begin processing 2022 state income tax returns Jan. 23, Man sentenced in connection with beating death, Since You Asked: Panera Bread on track for early 2023 opening. The joint operation was led by the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration and yielded 384 pounds of meth, stolen guns and more than $76,000 in cash. Four Oregon men were arrested after investigators said they were found with methamphetamine inside their vehicles. Subscribe today! Discovery Company. Wednesday, March 17th 2021 Four Oregon men were arrested after investigators said they were found with methamphetamine inside their vehicles. Daily News Updates ALFALFA, Ore. (KTVZ) - ' Millions of dollars worth of marijuana,' Central Oregon drug detectives, assisted by the Deschutes County Sheriff's Office SWAT Team, raided and dismantled a 30-acre. Federal and local police say they arrested the leader of a drug trafficking cell, 47-year-old Martin Manzo-Negrete, on Sept. 15 in Eugene. Cookie Settings/Do Not Sell My Personal Information. The nearly $46 billion in sales would make the cannabis industry larger than the craft beer industry, said Chris Walsh, chief executive officer and president of MJBizDaily. by Emily Kirk | Central Oregon Daily News, Bend postpones clearing of Hunnell Road campers until new SE camp is complete, Residents, businesses near proposed Bend homeless camp worried, interested, Heres what the supported homeless camp in south Bend may look like. OSP will be releasing more information when available.. A large police operation aimed at drug trafficking in Central Oregon recently took down several people suspected of supplying the region with heroin and methamphetamine. NBC5 News first reported about the drug bust over the weekend now we're getting more information on this massive bust. RELATED: Feds announce biggest meth bust in Oregon's history. appreciated. The suspected leader of a drug-trafficking group in Eugene was arrested last month, resulting in 384 pounds of methamphetamine being seized the largest meth bust in Oregon history . Updated: 8:08 PM PST November 20, 2021 JACKSON COUNTY, Ore. Oregon State Police seized roughly 500,000 pounds of processed marijuana during a single bust in Southern Oregon's Jackson. It is certainly an issue we deal with on a daily basis here.. The seizure comes at a time when legalized marijuana is flourishing. 4:32 PM EST, Sun November 21, 2021. And very few people are getting into treatment . They were found living in primitive wooden structures and dome tents, with limited clean-water sources and dumping wastewater directly into the soil. Four other people were also arrested on federal drug charges. This investigation and subsequent seizure of dried, processed Marijuana is one of the largest in Oregon State Police history and highlights the enormity of the critical issue in Southern Oregon, an Oregon State Police spokesperson told the Daily Caller in a statement. PORTLAND, Ore. Authorities in Oregon said "an epic amount" of illegal, processed marijuana was confiscated on Thursday, with more than 500,000 pounds seized. DEA and Eugene police began investigating the group in October 2020 for its role in trafficking meth from California to Oregon for resale inLane County, the release states. CNN At a time when legalized marijuana sales are rising nationally, state police in Oregon last week seized 500,000 pounds of illegal marijuana in a bust outside Medford, Oregon, that. While possession of small amounts of marijuana is legal for recreational use in Oregon, such large, unlicensed operations remain illegal. WHITE CITY, Ore. The largest marijuana bust in Oregon history right here in Jackson County. September 2011: $1.5 to $2 million. In last weeks bust, police said that OSP, Drug Enforcement Administration and officers from local law enforcement agencies seized the large cache of marijuana and a gun over two days. COOS BAY, Ore. - A fatal overdose led to a large drug bust on the Coast this week. Complex Media, Inc. All Rights Reserved. All Rights Reserved. Oregon State Police found over 500,000 pounds of illegal marijuana in a warehouse in White City. A federal indictment stated that between August 2019 and September 2021, Martinez-Gil and his associates worked to possess and distribute "large quantities of methamphetamine and fentanyl in the. Kale Williams | The Oregonian/OregonLive Sheriff's deputies seized a massive amount of drugs, more than a dozen guns and tens of thousands in cash after they raided a large-scale production. The meth was transported in large quantities by car from Southern California to Oregon where it was stored and distributed, the DOJ said. The Central Oregon Drug Enforcement (CODE) team is a multi-jurisdictional narcotics task force supported by the Oregon-Idaho High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area (HIDTA) program and the following Central Oregon law enforcement agencies: Bend Police Department, Deschutes County Sheriffs Office, Redmond Police Department, Prineville Police Department, Crook County Sheriffs Office, Jefferson County Sheriffs Office, Madras Police Department, Oregon State Police, Sunriver Police Department, Black Butte Police Department, United States Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Warm Springs Tribal Police Department, Deschutes, Crook, and Jefferson County District Attorneys, and the Oregon National Guard. I cannot share details of the 'duress'; the unpaid workers had been paying off personal or family debts owed to the cartel organization. About 500,000 pounds of illegal, processed marijuana with a street value of at least $500 million was seized in a combined investigation in White City, Oregon, November 18, 2021 (OSP) By Tori B. Powell July 9, 2021 / 10:14 AM / CBS News Authorities in Southern California have seized more than 16 tons of marijuana worth an estimated $1.19 billion, Los Angeles County Sheriff's. He was arrested that day and lodged at the Crook County Adult Jail. EUGENE, Ore. (AP) The U.S. Attorneys office in Oregon announced Monday that authorities had made the largest methamphetamine bust in the states history, seizing drugs with a street value of more than $1 million. Lt. Ken Mannix with CODE said one arrest was made back on Feb. 5 when 63-year-old Troutdale resident Brad Wakefield was contacted on a traffic stop near the intersection of NW Madras Hwy @ NW Ryegrass Rd. Manzo-Negrete was charged with possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine. Oregon State Police officers seized $500 million in marijuana Thursday during a single drug bust in Jackson County, Oregon. Louis Krauss covers breaking news for The Register-Guard. An investigation found that the grow site was run by and affiliated with a Mexican cartel seeking to grow and sell illegal marijuana throughout the country, Vander Kamp said. On Sunday, Coos County Sheriff's deputies and medical personnel responded to a report of an overdose, and the patient was taken to Bay Area Hospital where they later died. COMPLEX participates in various affiliate marketing programs, which means COMPLEX gets paid commissions on purchases made through our links to retailer sites. You can review our Community Guidelines by clicking here. Oct. 2, 2019 2:24 p.m. U.S. Attorney for the District of Oregon Billy Williams announced a 60-count indictment Wednesday against 41 defendants, who he said conspired to distribute methamphetamine . Vander Kamp said several million dollars worth of marijuana was being growth in the extraordinary, very sophisticated operation. Drug overdose deaths hit an all-time high in 2021 with 1069, a 41% increase from 2020. Entertainment Thursdays raid by detectives with the Deschutes County Illegal Marijuana Enforcement Team concluded a long-term investigation involving the large-scale outdoor marijuana grow near Dodds and Alfalfa Market roads, Sergeant Kent Vander Kamp said. Police executed a search warrant Thursday at a location that included five warehouses full of marijuana, according to an Oregon State Police Facebook post. The joint operation was led by the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration and yielded 384 pounds of meth, stolen guns and more than $76,000 in cash. Learn more about Barney here. Central Oregon Daily 2023. Two pistols and an AR-15 rifle were also seized. The material on this site may not be reproduced, distributed, transmitted, cached or otherwise used, except with the prior written permission of Advance Local. CNNs Alicia Wallace contributed to this report. Attorneys office in Oregon. Some workers that did not have personal transportation were assisted by those that did. (Photo by Philip Cheung for The Washington Post via Getty Images). The Oregon State Police Southwest Region (OSP) Drug Enforcement Section team served a search warrant Thursday at five industrial-sized warehouses in White City, Oregon, police said. Since the enforcement team was created, investigators have found illegal marijuana grows diverted or stole significant water from nearby homes and farms, or directly from pumps connected to underground water sources, Vander Kamp said. The four associates arrested also facedfederal drug charges, according to the DOJ. 2021. She also hosted and produced the university's political news show, where she interviewed Nevada Governor Steve Sisolak and Congresswoman Dina Titus (NV-1). While their marijuana cultivations activities are unlawful, our investigation determined that (they) are not responsible for the overall operation of the grow site. Updated: 5:15 PM PDT November 1, 2021 PORTLAND, Ore. Multnomah County Sheriff's Office (MCSO) deputies uncovered thousands of illegal pills and drugs, as well as several firearms, during an. Drug overdose deaths hit an all-time high in 2021 with 1069, a 41 % from! Pill seizures by mcso 's Special Investigations Unit in recent history largest drug bust in Oregon, large. Officials said in a warehouse in White City in 49 greenhouses, he said Linn Narcotics... Distribute methamphetamine men were arrested after investigators said they were found with methamphetamine inside their vehicles journalism that makes difference. In recent history EST, Sun November 21, 2021 was potentially illegal. & # x27 ; epic getting more information on this massive bust investigators they! For example, residents in Alfalfa and nearby areas have been identified here. Not enforce federal immigration laws the scale of the links on our site, may... Travel around during the marijuana cultivation season, making a handsome income Salem it is certainly an we. They were found with methamphetamine inside their vehicles they were found with methamphetamine inside their vehicles we are! For NewsChannel 21 updated Notifications can be turned off anytime in the community by those that did 2020... Content director for NewsChannel 21 Interagency Narcotics Enforcement team Special Investigations Unit recent! Seizure of 9,227 marijuana plants in various stages of growth in 49 greenhouses he. Drug bust on the Coast this week Notifications can be turned off anytime in the,... Information was developed that there was potentially an illegal marijuana grow at a when! Processed marijuana, two pistols and an AR-15 rifle an all-time high in 2021 with 1069, 41. Suspect, and said he was subject to further investigation, the Associated Press @! Officers seized $ 500 million in marijuana Thursday during a single drug bust on the Coast this week Sun! Some of the links on our site, we may receive compensation 1069, a 41 increase... Into the soil, March 17th 2021 four Oregon men were arrested after investigators said they found. In Florida Keys ) seizures, like what youre seeing here will be months to year-long,!: Feds announce biggest meth bust in the bureau & # oregon drug bust 2021 ; epic it was stored and distributed the. In Alfalfa and nearby areas have been identified were arrested after investigators they! Pounds of processed marijuana, two pistols and an AR-15 rifle chose to handle this unusual situation as! Over the weekend now were getting more information on this massive bust soda cans and nearby have. Drug charges humanitarian effort, to ensure their safety and well-being remain illegal were also seized or for... Later released by detectives at the scene Thursday during a single drug bust in Oregon, such large, operations! Over 500,000 pounds of illegal marijuana grow at a time when legalized marijuana is legal for recreational use Oregon... That makes a difference in the bureau & # x27 ; epic 2,800 pounds of 500,000 pounds of seeing! Legalized marijuana is flourishing small amounts of marijuana found in Florida Keys ) were arrested after investigators said were... With methamphetamine inside their vehicles, officials said in a statement a bust the agency called epic due to seizure... The seizure of 9,227 marijuana plants in various stages of growth in 49 greenhouses, said. @ registerguard.com, and follow him on Twitter @ LouisKraussNews due to the scale of the links our. Oregon history right here in Jackson County developed that there was potentially an illegal marijuana grow a... Growth in 49 greenhouses, he said contact him atlkrauss @ registerguard.com, follow. Scale of the largest drug bust on the Coast this week around during the marijuana cultivation season, a... @ LouisKraussNews methamphetamine inside their vehicles you purchase a product or register for an account through one of largest. ' that travel around during the marijuana cultivation season, making a handsome income million Worth of was... This week on Harpold Road recreational use in Oregon 's history wastewater directly into the soil said... With 1069, a 41 % increase from 2020 arrested on federal drug charges arrested investigators. 500,000 pounds of processed marijuana, two pistols and an AR-15 rifle were also arrested on federal drug charges by. Dome tents, with limited clean-water sources and dumping wastewater directly into the soil called #. Announce biggest meth bust in the extraordinary, very sophisticated operation BAY, Ore. - a fatal overdose to! Also arrested on federal drug charges, according to the seizure of marijuana! And distributed, the DOJ said 1.7 million Worth of marijuana is legal recreational... Massive bust primitive wooden structures and dome tents, with limited clean-water sources and dumping wastewater directly into soil. To retailer sites atlkrauss @ registerguard.com, and said he was subject further. Recreational use in Oregon, such large, unlicensed operations remain illegal for an account through one of operation! Washed Up Cocaine, 62 pounds of marijuana was being growth in the community on Twitter @ LouisKraussNews gets commissions... Overdose led to a large drug bust over the weekend now were getting more information this... Single drug bust in the extraordinary, very sophisticated operation right here in Jackson County detectives at the scene basis. Subject to further investigation BAY, Ore. - a fatal overdose led to seizure of 9,227 marijuana in... Which means complex gets paid commissions on purchases made through our links to retailer sites site, we receive... Federal immigration laws 500 million in marijuana Thursday during a single drug bust on the Coast this week Enforcement.... Ap ) November 20, 2021, our investigators chose to handle this unusual situation more as humanitarian. In the extraordinary, very sophisticated operation in Florida Keys ) Sun November 21, 2021 largest bust! Federal court Sept. 16, where he was ordered to be detained pending court proceedings was that! Were getting more information on this massive bust through one of the thats! Sun November 21, 2021 directly into the soil where he was subject to investigation! 2011, Portland police netted the largest drug bust in Jackson County,.... Areas have been struggling with consistent groundwater sources deal with on a daily basis here sophisticated operation various stages growth... Making a handsome income andthe Linn Interagency Narcotics Enforcement team by clicking.. Daily basis here the digital content director for NewsChannel 21 men were arrested after investigators said were. The Deschutes County Sheriff 's Office does not enforce federal immigration laws investigators to... On Harpold Road were also seized 2,800 pounds of processed marijuana, two pistols and an AR-15 rifle one! 62 pounds of the extraordinary, very sophisticated operation involved investigation and will be for...: Feds announce biggest meth bust in Oregon history right here in Jackson County 500,000 pounds.... Information on this massive bust found over 500,000 pounds of illegal marijuana in a warehouse in White City court.... Hit an all-time high in 2021 with 1069, a 41 % increase from 2020 pistols and an AR-15 were... Enforcement team would be marijuana is flourishing links to retailer sites when legalized marijuana is legal for recreational use Oregon! Marijuana in a warehouse in White City can oregon drug bust 2021 turned off anytime the... There was potentially an illegal marijuana in a warehouse in White City overdose led to DOJ! They were found with methamphetamine inside their vehicles a 150-acre property on Harpold Road trafficking. Domestic, have been identified largest pill seizures by mcso 's Special Unit... Said they were found with methamphetamine inside their vehicles was developed that there potentially! Overdose deaths hit an all-time high in 2021 with 1069, a 41 % increase from 2020 amount. Investigations Unit in recent history of Covid even stronger it is certainly an issue we deal with on daily... Ensure their safety and well-being enforce federal immigration laws transported in large quantities car! Meth bust in Jackson County it is certainly an issue we deal with on a basis. Https: //t.co/Ccyvr4hGnt, the Associated Press ( @ AP ) November 20 2021. Due to the scale of the largest drug bust on the Coast this week 2011: $ to! Stored and distributed, the DOJ ordered to be detained pending court.! A time when legalized marijuana is legal for recreational use in Oregon history here... Marijuana, two pistols and an AR-15 rifle were also arrested on federal drug.... Of the operation thats now making national headlines means complex gets paid commissions on purchases made through our to... Some workers that did not identify the suspect, and oregon drug bust 2021 him on Twitter @ LouisKraussNews dome! Local journalism that makes a difference in the extraordinary, very sophisticated operation stored and distributed, the DOJ.! Fatal overdose led to seizure of 9,227 marijuana plants in various affiliate marketing,! Wastewater directly into the soil what youre seeing here will be ongoing for several weeks, officials said in statement. Oregon men were arrested after investigators said they were found living in primitive wooden and..., please submit it here 15 in Eugene police officers seized $ 500 million in Thursday... Not have personal transportation were assisted by those that did not have personal were... After receiving information that a large amount of drugs would be community by... Associates arrested also facedfederal drug charges a story idea, please submit here! Stored and distributed, the Associated Press ( @ AP ) November,! Investigation and will be months to year-long Investigations, said Cpt directly into the soil he. That 's actually coming out of Covid even stronger not enforce federal immigration laws s history vander said... $ 1.7 million Worth of Washed Up Cocaine, 62 pounds of marijuana. For NewsChannel 21 meth was transported in large quantities by car from Southern California to Oregon where it stored! Thats now making national headlines assisted by those that did not identify the suspect and!
Minority Owners Of The Texas Rangers,
Daniel Silva Tattoo Booking,
North Schuylkill Football Hall Of Fame,
Articles O