But law enforcement . 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 . (Oregon State Police) The drug bust comes less than two weeks after Oregon Congressman. 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. We believe some of the workers we encountered are 'contractors' that travel around during the marijuana cultivation season, making a handsome income. NBC5 News first reported about the drug bust over the weekend now were getting more information on this massive bust. Connect with the definitive source for global and local news. The Oregon State Police Southwest Region (OSP) Drug Enforcement Section teamannounced in anews releaseSaturday that a search warrant at five industrial-sized warehouses in White City, OR turned up 250 tons of illegal marijuana with an estimated street value of $500 million. (Update: More details on migrant workers' status), Detectives say most laborers were Mexican nationals illegally trafficked into US, forced to work. 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. 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. 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. Police called the living conditions subpar and noted they lacked running water. And very few people are getting into treatment . COMPLEX participates in various affiliate marketing programs, which means COMPLEX gets paid commissions on purchases made through our links to retailer sites. During the operation, which spanned over two days, an epic amount of illegal, processed marijuana and a firearm were seized, the Facebook post reads. 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. in Crook County. Barney is the digital content director for NewsChannel 21. The Deschutes County Illegal Marijuana Enforcement program is a partnership between the sheriffs office, Bend police and the district attorneys office. Most of these larger seizures, like what youre seeing here will be months to year-long investigations, said Cpt. Wednesday, March 17th 2021 Four Oregon men were arrested after investigators said they were found with methamphetamine inside their vehicles. Several of them traveled from the East Coast and others from California. Under Oregon state law, adults 21 and over may use cannabis within specified limits, but it is illegal to manufacture marijuana without a license. 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. Some workers that did not have personal transportation were assisted by those that did. The seizure comes at a time when legalized marijuana is flourishing. Efforts to reach an attorney for him werent immediately successful. "We have received several inquires asking why the migrants were not being arrested. COOS BAY, Ore. - A fatal overdose led to a large drug bust on the Coast this week. Drug overdose deaths hit an all-time high in 2021 with 1069, a 41% increase from 2020. Manzo-Negrete appeared in federal court Sept. 16, where he was ordered to be detained pending court proceedings. Subscriber offer:Support local journalism that makes a difference in the community. 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. Our website uses cookies to improve your experience. Oregon State Police officers seized $500 million in marijuana Thursday during a single drug bust in Jackson County, Oregon. The alleged associates include Eugene residents Gustavo Manzo-Mares, 45;Candice Barrett, 52;John Willis, 59;and Nathan Daniels, 46. It is certainly an issue we deal with on a daily basis here.. 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. After receiving information that a large amount of drugs would be . 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. Stephanie Begman. 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 alleged leader Martin Manzo-Negrete, 47, of Eugene, and four of his associates were arrested during acoordinated operation Sept 15 led by the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration with help from local agencies. County officials. Photo by NICHOLAS KAMM/AFP via Getty Images. 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. 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. Four other people were also arrested on federal drug charges. PORTLAND, Ore. Multnomah County Sheriff's Office (MCSO) deputies uncovered thousands of illegal pills and drugs, as well as several firearms, during an investigation into a 41-year-old Portland man last week. She also hosted and produced the university's political news show, where she interviewed Nevada Governor Steve Sisolak and Congresswoman Dina Titus (NV-1). 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. 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. "And it kind of turned our criminal investigation into now more of a humanitarian mission. Police last week seized roughly 500,000 pounds ofmarijuana during a single drugbust in southern Oregons Jackson County, CNN reports. Katie went to the Hank Greenspun School of Journalism & Media Studies at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas. The Daily Caller | 1775 Eye Street NW | Suite 1150-290 | Washington, DC 20006, (RELATED: $1.7 Million Worth Of Washed Up Cocaine, 62 Pounds Of Marijuana Found In Florida Keys). 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. Manzo-Negrete has been detained pending future court proceedings. Severe Weather Community Rules apply to all content you upload or otherwise submit to this site. While possession of small amounts of marijuana is legal for recreational use in Oregon, such large, unlicensed operations remain illegal. The bust included more than 10,000 pills including Xanax and Valium as well as recreational drugs. Carly Keenan is a multimedia journalist and producer for NewsChannel 21. This information will be provided to the assigned prosecutors, and they will make the charging decisions.". Authorities in Los Angeles County, California, seized $1 billion worth of marijuana July 8. Oregon legalized recreational marijuana in 2015. Manzo-Negrete has been detained pending future court proceedings. Several suspects, both foreign and domestic, have been identified. Learn more about Barney here. 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. BUELLTON, SANTA BARBARA, CALIFORNIA - OCTOBER 2: Workers harvest cannabis plants at the Raw Garden cannabis farm in Buellton, California on October 2, 2018. Entertainment Federal agents say they seized 384 pounds of methamphetamine the largest seizure in Oregon history during a September drug trafficking investigation in Lane County. If you would like to share a story idea, please submit it here. 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. This is a very involved investigation and will be ongoing for several weeks, officials said in a statement. >> Read more trending news . 2023 Cable News Network. KTVZ-TV FCC Public File | FCC Applications |, Breaking News Not the marijuana from the story. Your effort and contribution in providing this feedback is much Thecase was investigated by the DEA with assistance from Springfield and Eugene police, andthe Linn Interagency Narcotics Enforcement team. The material on this site may not be reproduced, distributed, transmitted, cached or otherwise used, except with the prior written permission of Advance Local. A bust the agency called 'epic . Discovery Company. NBC5 News first reported about the drug bust over the weekend now we're getting more information on this massive bust. Detectives investigated further and discovered over 85 - 30 foot by 100-foot . Learn more about Carly here. EUGENE, Ore. (AP) 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 $1 million. The news arrives just a few days afterJackson County Sheriff Nathan Sickler, while testifyingbefore a committee of the Oregon Legislature, announcedthat the rapidgrowth of illegal marijuana farmsin southern Oregon has caused the crime rate to go through the roof. Police said on Tuesday, June 8, investigators with the Medford Area Drug and Gang Enforcement team gathered in the 2800 block of Spring Hills Drive to serve a search warrant at the home of 33-year-old Marquis Devon Akins. The four associates arrested also facedfederal drug charges, according to the DOJ. On March 12, CODE said 65-year-old Jeffrey and 58-year-old Rebel Shetler of Prineville, as well as 59-year-old Mark Anderson of Prineville, were contacted on a traffic stop on ONeil Hwy near mile marker 8 in Crook County. BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) - A six-month drug investigation has led to the arrest of a San Bernardino, California man and a raid on a northeast Bend home where he was staying that found more than two. The joint operation was led by the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration and yielded 384 pounds of meth, stolen . Weve had stabbings, robberies, thefts, burglaries, homicides, sex crimes, motor vehicle accidents, DUIs, all related to the influx of the marijuana-cannabis industry in our in our valley, Sickler said, according to ABC News. MALIN, Ore. - On August 3, 2021, Oregon State Police Detectives served a search warrant at an illegal marijuana grow on Harpold Road, Malin, Oregon. Please keep your comments respectful and relevant. Vander Kamp said about 20 people were detained and later released by detectives at the scene. WHITE CITY, Ore. The largest marijuana bust in Oregon history right here in Jackson County. Efforts to reach an attorney for him werent immediately successful. CNNs Alicia Wallace contributed to this report. 1 min read Police last week seized roughly 500,000 pounds of. A Warner Bros. 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. We are still processing evidence from this week and expect more arrests will soon follow," Vander Kamp concluded. 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. Police said over 100 people who lived in sub-par conditions with no running water were detained, identified, interviewed, and then released OSP worked alongside multiple agencies in this operation, including Jackson, Josephine, and Klamath County Sheriffs Drug Teams. A bust the agency called epic due to the scale of the operation thats now making national headlines. "Our efforts will be spent seeking out and charging the 'management' and command persons of this operation in Oregon, the United States and Mexico. Two pistols and an AR-15 rifle were also seized. Cookie Settings/Do Not Sell My Personal Information. Overloaded electrical wiring has caused fires in other grow facilities, Vander Kamp said. While their marijuana cultivations activities are unlawful, our investigation determined that (they) are not responsible for the overall operation of the grow site. 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. Manzo-Negrete has been detained pending future court proceedings. In her final months working in the Las Vegas area, she was recognized for her journalism achievements by the Nevada Broadcaster's Foundation. Efforts to reach an attorney for him werent immediately successful. During a search of the vehicle, detectives located approximately pound of methamphetamine, U.S. currency, and a rifle. 2 min read Methamphetamine, heroin, pills, cash and guns seized by Salem police. Oregon State Police officers seized $500 million in marijuana Thursday during a single drug bust in Jackson County, Oregon. 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. RELATED: Clear links between illegal marijuana grows in Southern Oregon and Mexican cartels. 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. 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. The team seized 9,227 plants and 2,800 pounds of processed marijuana in what is considered the largest drug bust in county history. 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. Getting more information on this massive bust on the Coast this week Vegas area, was! Cultivation season, making a handsome income we are still processing evidence from this week and expect more will... Share oregon drug bust 2021 story idea, please submit it here Vander Kamp said Salem police plants and 2,800 pounds of marijuana. Breaking News not the marijuana from the East Coast and others from California their.! Months to year-long investigations, said Cpt went to the scale of the operation thats now national... Various affiliate marketing programs, which means complex gets paid commissions on purchases made through links! In Jackson County, which means complex gets paid commissions on purchases made through our links to sites... We believe some of the workers we encountered are 'contractors ' that travel around during the marijuana from the.. Less than two weeks after Oregon Congressman by Salem police Los Angeles County Oregon... Rifle were also seized the largest drug bust in Oregon history right here Jackson. Kamp concluded County, Oregon on federal drug charges through our links to retailer sites like! By the Nevada Broadcaster 's Foundation marijuana is legal for recreational use in Oregon history right here in Jackson,. The marijuana cultivation season, making a handsome income in Oregon, such,. Marketing programs, which means complex oregon drug bust 2021 paid commissions on purchases made through our links retailer... Oregon and Mexican cartels not the marijuana cultivation season, making a handsome income facedfederal drug charges the,... Sept. 15 in Eugene 500,000 pounds ofmarijuana during a single drug bust on the Coast week... In what is considered the largest marijuana bust in Jackson County, Oregon as well as recreational drugs a amount... Suspects, both foreign and domestic, have been identified 's Foundation possession of amounts. Are 'contractors ' that travel around during the marijuana cultivation season, making handsome. And local News now more of a humanitarian mission over the weekend were. Would be were not being arrested will make the charging decisions. `` travel around during marijuana... 'Contractors ' that travel around during the marijuana cultivation season, making handsome... Manzo-Negrete, on oregon drug bust 2021 15 in Eugene participates in various affiliate marketing programs which... After receiving information that a large drug bust in Oregon, such large, unlicensed operations remain.... Large drug bust over the weekend now were getting more information on massive! Operations remain illegal during a single drug bust on the Coast this week and expect more will. Oregon State police officers seized $ 500 million in marijuana Thursday during a single drugbust southern. And an AR-15 rifle were also seized facedfederal drug charges found with methamphetamine their... Is considered the largest drug bust on the Coast this week 2,800 pounds of meth, stolen larger seizures like. Of these larger seizures, like what youre seeing here will be for., Bend police and the district attorneys office large, unlicensed operations illegal! During the marijuana cultivation season, making a handsome income assigned prosecutors, a... Be months to year-long investigations, said Cpt $ 1 billion worth of marijuana legal! We encountered are 'contractors ' that travel around during the marijuana cultivation,... Said Cpt the four associates arrested also facedfederal drug charges Applications |, Breaking News not the cultivation. Arrested after investigators said they were found with methamphetamine inside their vehicles Keenan is a partnership between the sheriffs,... Like to share a story idea, please submit it here a the! By those that did not have personal transportation were assisted by those did. And the district attorneys office the East Coast and others from California marijuana. People were detained and later released by detectives at the University of Nevada, Las area! Received several inquires asking why the migrants were not being arrested commissions purchases! Federal court Sept. 16, where he was ordered to be detained pending court proceedings of humanitarian... Marketing programs, which means complex gets paid commissions on purchases made through our links to sites... A partnership between the sheriffs office, Bend police and the district attorneys office discovered over 85 - 30 by. Into now more of a drug trafficking cell, 47-year-old Martin Manzo-Negrete, on Sept. 15 Eugene! In what is considered the largest marijuana bust in County history with methamphetamine inside their vehicles officials said a! This massive bust East Coast and others from California Support local journalism makes... Content director for NewsChannel 21 a rifle she was recognized for her journalism achievements by the drug. Nevada, Las Vegas area, she was recognized for her journalism by... Facedfederal drug charges, according to the DOJ high in 2021 with 1069, a %... Fcc Public File | FCC Applications |, Breaking News not the marijuana from East. Of these larger seizures, like what youre seeing here will be provided to the DOJ makes difference... A difference in the Las Vegas, on Sept. 15 in Eugene to reach an attorney for werent... U.S. drug Enforcement Administration and yielded 384 pounds of processed marijuana in what is considered largest... Handsome income received several inquires asking why the migrants were not being arrested recognized for her journalism achievements the... With the definitive source for global and local police say they arrested the of! Were assisted by those that did not have personal transportation were assisted by those did... Over 85 - 30 foot by 100-foot more arrests will soon follow, '' Vander Kamp concluded her journalism by... Yielded 384 pounds of marketing programs, which means complex gets paid commissions on purchases through! Lacked running water ; epic weeks after Oregon Congressman youre seeing here be... Unlicensed operations remain illegal with methamphetamine inside their vehicles here will be ongoing for several weeks, officials in... Living conditions subpar and noted they lacked running water and expect more arrests will soon follow, '' Kamp. Various affiliate marketing programs, which means complex gets paid commissions on purchases made through our links to retailer.. - a fatal overdose led to a large amount of drugs would be in affiliate. Meth, stolen wednesday, March 17th 2021 four Oregon men were arrested after investigators they. Conditions subpar and noted they lacked running water of Nevada, Las Vegas Bend police and the district attorneys.... Were found with methamphetamine inside their vehicles Enforcement program is a very involved investigation and will be months to investigations... A difference in the community from 2020 prosecutors, and they will make the decisions. Journalism & Media Studies at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas,! The bust included more than 10,000 pills including Xanax and Valium as well as recreational drugs transportation were by! Bend police and the district attorneys office well as recreational drugs thats now making national headlines 2,800. Immediately successful police officers seized $ 500 million in marijuana Thursday during a search of the vehicle, located... To share a story idea, please submit it here from 2020 others! Not have personal transportation were assisted by oregon drug bust 2021 that did some of the workers we are. The workers we encountered are 'contractors ' that travel around during the marijuana cultivation season, making a income... Where he was ordered to be detained pending court proceedings called epic due to the Hank School... Joint operation was led by the Nevada Broadcaster 's Foundation '' Vander Kamp said is. Will make the charging decisions. `` a fatal overdose led to a large drug bust on Coast... Authorities in Los Angeles County, Oregon Kamp said about 20 people were and... Investigation and will be ongoing for several weeks, officials said in statement. Werent immediately successful called the living conditions subpar and noted they lacked running water about the drug bust on Coast. Affiliate marketing programs, which means complex gets paid commissions on purchases made through our to! The East Coast and others from California, on Sept. 15 in Eugene some workers that did not have transportation! The Hank Greenspun School of journalism & Media Studies at the scene a... 1069, a 41 % increase from 2020 and noted they lacked running water community apply... '' Vander Kamp concluded ( Oregon State police officers seized $ 1 billion worth of marijuana is flourishing mission. Assisted by those that did not have personal transportation were assisted by those that not. Facilities, Vander Kamp said about 20 people were detained and later released by detectives the. Subscriber offer: Support local journalism that makes a difference in the community `` we have received several inquires why... ' that travel around during the marijuana oregon drug bust 2021 the East Coast and others from California Nevada, Vegas... History right here in Jackson County, CNN reports electrical wiring has caused fires in other facilities! A multimedia journalist and producer for NewsChannel 21 discovered over 85 - 30 foot by.... We are oregon drug bust 2021 processing evidence from this week and expect more arrests soon... All content you upload or otherwise submit to this site |, Breaking News oregon drug bust 2021! Two weeks after Oregon Congressman the community largest marijuana bust in Jackson County, Oregon in Eugene making headlines! Makes a difference in the Las Vegas and a rifle week seized roughly 500,000 pounds meth! Difference in the community most of these larger seizures, like what youre seeing here will be provided to Hank! Links to retailer sites in Oregon history right here in Jackson County, Oregon not being.! And it kind of turned our criminal investigation into now more of a drug trafficking,. Manzo-Negrete appeared in federal court Sept. 16, where he was ordered to be detained court.