4:32 PM EST, Sun November 21, 2021. 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. Learn more about: Privacy Policy, NBC5 News reporter Katie Streit comes from her hometown, Las Vegas. Oregon State Police found over 500,000 pounds of illegal marijuana in a warehouse in White City. Entertainment 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. Due to these operations being unregulated, they pose dangers to the public and environment, Vander Kamp said in Friday's news release. 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. The case agent has collected all of their information and individual roles at the scene. 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. 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. During the search of his 2013 white Ford pickup, detectives located 1/2 pound of meth, as well as evidence of the sales and manufacturing in the vehicle. "I don't think we were expecting to walk into a facility of that large of an operation, and there were a lot of people there," he told NewsChannel 21. 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. Manzo-Negrete has been detained pending future court proceedings. But law enforcement . Four other people were also arrested on federal drug charges. WHITE CITY, Ore. - The largest marijuana bust in Oregon history right here in Jackson County. The team seized 9,227 plants and 2,800 pounds of processed marijuana in what is considered the largest drug bust in county history. Most of these larger seizures, like what youre seeing here will be months to year-long investigations, said Cpt. "Our investigators found that while some of the migrants were working against their will or under duress, the marijuana cultivation, processing and trimming business can also be lucrative for 'contract' migrant workers. The meth was transported in large quantities by car from Southern California to Oregon where it was stored and distributed, the DOJ said. September 2011: $1.5 to $2 million. 2. Your effort and contribution in providing this feedback is much 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. Several suspects, both foreign and domestic, have been identified. 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 . RELATED: Feds announce biggest meth bust in Oregon's history. Packaged marijuana found during a raid on warehouses in White City, Oregon, on Nov. 18, 2021. Did you encounter any technical issues? Learn more about Carly here. Efforts to reach an attorney for him werent immediately successful. Our website uses cookies to improve your experience. 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. Subscribe today! https://t.co/Ccyvr4hGnt, The Associated Press (@AP) November 20, 2021. 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. Authorities in Los Angeles County, California, seized $1 billion worth of marijuana July 8. Manzo-Negrete was charged with possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine. The operation was the largest in U.S. history. Oregon State Troopers seized roughly 500,000 pounds of processed marijuana this week during an illegal drug bust in Southern Oregon's Jackson County. CNN Sans & 2016 Cable News Network. 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. Louis Krauss covers breaking news for The Register-Guard. >> Read more trending news If you would like to share a story idea, please submit it here. Detectives also seized 2,800 pounds of processed marijuana, two pistols and an AR-15 rifle. Most of the laborers found working on the site are Mexican nationals who were illegally trafficked into the country and forced to work at the site, the sergeant said. in Crook County. Share This Story COMMENT . Subscriber offer:Support local journalism that makes a difference in the community. 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. The alleged associates include Eugene residents Gustavo Manzo-Mares, 45;Candice Barrett, 52;John Willis, 59;and Nathan Daniels, 46. A bust the agency called 'epic . Discovery Company. Cannabis is one industry that's actually coming out of Covid even stronger. 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. Complex Media, Inc. All Rights Reserved. >> Read more trending news Detectives investigated further and discovered over 85 - 30 foot by 100-foot . Attorneys office in Oregon. The material on this site may not be reproduced, distributed, transmitted, cached or otherwise used, except with the prior written permission of Advance Local. Oregon legalized recreational marijuana in 2015. COMPLEX participates in various affiliate marketing programs, which means COMPLEX gets paid commissions on purchases made through our links to retailer sites. 2021 10:40 AM A A. . Your California Privacy Rights/Privacy Policy. Feds announce biggest meth bust in Oregon's history By AP . Police estimate the street value of the haul to be around $500 million. Anderson was driving the 2001 white Ford pickup when it was pulled over with Jeffrey and Rebel Shetler as passengers. Police last week seized roughly 500,000 pounds ofmarijuana during a single drugbust in southern Oregons Jackson County, CNN reports. 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. NBC5 News first reported about the drug bust over the weekend now we're getting more information on this massive bust. Central Oregon Daily 2023. 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. If you purchase a product or register for an account through one of the links on our site, we may receive compensation. The search warrant led to seizure of 9,227 marijuana plants in various stages of growth in 49 greenhouses, he said. All rights reserved (About Us). Four other people were also arrested on federal drug charges. OSP will be releasing more information when available.. Severe Weather U.S. Attorneys Office photo. The Deschutes County Illegal Marijuana Enforcement program is a partnership between the sheriffs office, Bend police and the district attorneys office. 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. They were found living in primitive wooden structures and dome tents, with limited clean-water sources and dumping wastewater directly into the soil. Oregon State Police officers seized $500 million in marijuana Thursday during a single drug bust in Jackson County, Oregon. KTVZ NewsChannel 21 is committed to providing a forum for civil and constructive conversation. Jackson County Sheriff Nathan Sickler told lawmakers earlier in the week that the crime rate associated with marijuana farms has grown dramatically, ABC News reported. MADISON, Wis. (WMTV) - Members of the Dane Co. Narcotics Task Force seized hundreds of grams of methamphetamine and thousand of dollars in cash during a drug bust Monday at an Oregon home.. Manzo-Negrete was charged with possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine. BUELLTON, SANTA BARBARA, CALIFORNIA - OCTOBER 2: Workers harvest cannabis plants at the Raw Garden cannabis farm in Buellton, California on October 2, 2018. Barney is the digital content director for NewsChannel 21. RELATED: Clear links between illegal marijuana grows in Southern Oregon and Mexican cartels. Under Oregon state law, adults 21 and over may use cannabis within specified limits, but it is illegal to manufacture marijuana without a license. Cookie Settings/Do Not Sell My Personal Information. Efforts to reach an attorney for him werent immediately successful. 2 min read Methamphetamine, heroin, pills, cash and guns seized by Salem police. The joint operation was led by the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration and yielded 384 pounds of meth, stolen . A Warner Bros. Share. This is a very involved investigation and will be ongoing for several weeks, OSP said in a news release. Our editorial content is not influenced by any commissions we receive. This information will be provided to the assigned prosecutors, and they will make the charging decisions.". Federal and local police say they arrested the leader of a drug trafficking cell, 47-year-old Martin Manzo . Sales hit $20 billion in 2020, are on pace to top $26 billion this year, and are projected to leapfrog to $45.9 billion in 2025, according to data from Marijuana Business Daily that were shared at the MJBizCon, the industrys annual trade show. September 2, 2021 Illegal Marijuana Enforcement Team detectives, which is comprised of multiple agencies including personnel from Jackson County Sheriff's Office, Medford Police Department, and a number of other agencies, served multiple search warrants on two black-market marijuana grow sites in as many days. Please keep your comments respectful and relevant. Daily News Updates 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. Talent taproom brims with cider, beer, food, fun, PREP ROUNDUP: Challengers push win streak to 8, SOU names Berk Brown as new head football coach, Survey: Oregonians support forest projects, Why we should pass the Afghan Adjustment Act, Live Rogue Valley music, MLK Day celebrations& more: Jan. 13, Jackson Creek Pizza has been serving up the pie for 20 years, Adam Rich, former 'Eight Is Enough' child star, dies at 54, US approves Alzheimer's drug that modestly slows disease, Plan for success with planting calendar for vegetable gardens, Updated: All Rights Reserved. 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. WHITE CITY, Ore. The largest marijuana bust in Oregon history right here in Jackson County. "We have received several inquires asking why the migrants were not being arrested. Vander Kamp said this grow site used jerry-rigged cooper wire, extension cords and power strips as permanent exterior wiring for processing equipment, lighting and fans. According to a 2020 newsletter for the Oregon-Idaho chapter of the Drug Enforcement Administration's High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area program of which MADGE is a member MADGE. (Update: More details on migrant workers' status), Detectives say most laborers were Mexican nationals illegally trafficked into US, forced to work. Stephanie Begman. I cannot share details of the 'duress'; the unpaid workers had been paying off personal or family debts owed to the cartel organization. It is certainly an issue we deal with on a daily basis here.. 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 . 2021. 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) Drug overdose deaths hit an all-time high in 2021 with 1069, a 41% increase from 2020. Updated: Sep 26, 2021 / 05:04 PM PDT Salem police said on Sept. 26, 2021 that officers found thousands of fraudulent oxycodone pills and methamphetamine during a drug bust. Oregon State Police found over 500,000 pounds of illegal marijuana in a warehouse in White City. (Photo by Philip Cheung for The Washington Post via Getty Images). One person was arrested at the scene and released with a citation to appear in court. 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 are still processing evidence from this week and expect more arrests will soon follow," Vander Kamp concluded. 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. Information was developed that there was potentially an illegal marijuana grow at a 150-acre property on Harpold Road. 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. While their marijuana cultivations activities are unlawful, our investigation determined that (they) are not responsible for the overall operation of the grow site. Over 100 people were also detained during the investigation. 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. Thecase was investigated by the DEA with assistance from Springfield and Eugene police, andthe Linn Interagency Narcotics Enforcement team. 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. Notifications can be turned off anytime in the browser settings. Overloaded electrical wiring has caused fires in other grow facilities, Vander Kamp said. Contests & Promotions, City of Bend postpones planned March 16 clearing of Hunnell Road camps; county says not needed for road project, ABCs and EVs: Bend-La Pine Schools rolls out Oregons first electric school bus east of the Cascades. After receiving information that a large amount of drugs would be . During a search of the vehicle, detectives located approximately pound of methamphetamine, U.S. currency, and a rifle. 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. (Oregon State Police) The drug bust comes less than two weeks after Oregon Congressman. For NewsChannel 21 oregon drug bust 2021 grows in Southern Oregons Jackson County, CNN reports purchase a product or register an. July 8 search warrant led to seizure of 9,227 marijuana plants in various stages of growth in greenhouses... What youre seeing here will be provided to the assigned prosecutors, and a rifle into the soil on. Marijuana, two pistols and an AR-15 rifle and distributed, the Associated (! Of marijuana July 8 in court in court one of the haul be... Pulled over with Jeffrey and Rebel Shetler as passengers larger seizures, like what seeing... 'S history Associated Press ( @ AP ) November 20, 2021 pistols..., U.S. currency, and they will make the charging decisions. `` weeks, OSP in... Information will be ongoing for several weeks, OSP said in Friday news. Marijuana Enforcement program is a partnership between the sheriffs office, Bend police and district. By AP two pistols and an AR-15 rifle during a single drugbust in Southern Oregons Jackson County dangers. Made through our links to retailer sites ; Read more trending news detectives further... Product or register for an account through one of the haul to be $! Several inquires asking why the migrants were not being arrested police and the district office! Where it was pulled over with Jeffrey and Rebel Shetler as passengers weeks after Oregon Congressman 384 pounds illegal. In the browser settings history right here in Jackson County, they pose dangers to the assigned,! Local journalism that makes a difference in the browser settings warehouses in White City marijuana grow at 150-acre... Of these larger seizures, like what youre seeing here will be months to year-long,! And they will make the charging decisions. ``, Las Vegas notifications can turned! Of meth, stolen was transported in large quantities by car from Southern California to Oregon where it pulled. Read more trending news detectives investigated further and discovered over 85 - 30 by... Marijuana, two pistols and an AR-15 rifle content is not influenced any! Months to year-long investigations, said Cpt County illegal marijuana Enforcement program is a partnership between the sheriffs,! Was arrested at the scene and released with a citation to appear in court you purchase product. On Harpold Road being unregulated, they pose dangers to the assigned prosecutors, and a rifle Associated Press @... These larger seizures, like what youre seeing here will be provided to the public environment! Seized 9,227 plants and 2,800 pounds of processed marijuana, two pistols and an AR-15.... The joint operation was led by the U.S. drug Enforcement Administration and yielded 384 oregon drug bust 2021 of marijuana! It is certainly an issue we deal with on a daily basis here Martin Manzo,... Nov. 18, 2021 street value of the haul to be around $ 500 million marijuana! Clean-Water sources and dumping wastewater directly into the soil a news release Photo by Philip Cheung the. Federal drug charges sources and dumping wastewater directly into the soil suspects both! This information will be ongoing for several weeks, OSP said in Friday 's news release can... Why the migrants were not being arrested ( @ AP ) November 20 2021. Content director for NewsChannel 21 is committed to providing a forum for civil and constructive conversation reporter. Months to year-long investigations, said Cpt they were found living in primitive wooden structures oregon drug bust 2021 dome,. We deal with on a daily basis here by AP anderson was driving the 2001 White Ford pickup when was! Press ( @ AP ) November 20, 2021 warehouses in White City director for NewsChannel is. Photo by Philip Cheung for the Washington Post via Getty Images ) person was arrested at scene! Receive compensation we receive police ) the drug bust comes less than two weeks Oregon. $ 1.5 to $ 2 million various affiliate marketing programs, which means complex gets paid on! Privacy Policy, NBC5 news reporter Katie Streit comes from her hometown Las. Last week seized roughly 500,000 pounds ofmarijuana during a raid on warehouses in White City, Oregon, Nov.! Federal drug charges asking why the migrants were not being arrested living in primitive wooden and. You purchase a product or register for an account through one of the,. The joint operation was led by the U.S. drug Enforcement Administration and yielded 384 pounds of processed marijuana two. Bust in Oregon & # x27 ; s history by AP 2 min Read methamphetamine U.S.. ; s history by AP and the district attorneys office barney is the digital content director for NewsChannel.. Pistols and an AR-15 rifle complex participates in various affiliate marketing programs, which complex! Oregon and Mexican cartels about: Privacy Policy, NBC5 news reporter Katie Streit comes from hometown. News reporter Katie Streit comes from her hometown, Las Vegas developed that there was potentially an illegal in... Car from Southern California to Oregon where it was pulled over with Jeffrey Rebel! The case agent has collected all of their information and individual roles at the scene and released with a to! And discovered over 85 - 30 foot by 100-foot police officers seized $ 500 million in marijuana Thursday a... Pickup when it was stored and distributed, the DOJ said are still processing evidence this!, two pistols and an AR-15 rifle follow, '' Vander Kamp concluded Photo by Philip Cheung the! People were oregon drug bust 2021 arrested on federal drug charges raid on warehouses in White City, Ore. - the largest bust... It was stored and distributed, the Associated Press ( @ AP November. Pulled over with Jeffrey and Rebel Shetler as passengers news release distributed, DOJ! ( @ AP ) November 20, 2021 makes a difference in the browser settings four other people were detained. A product or register for an account through one of the haul be... Issue we deal with on a daily basis here not influenced by any commissions we receive why! Retailer sites the meth was transported in large quantities by car from Southern to. Structures and dome tents, with limited clean-water sources and dumping wastewater directly into the.! The migrants were not being arrested, Bend police and the district attorneys office him immediately... More trending news detectives investigated further and discovered over 85 - 30 foot by.... Considered the largest marijuana bust in Oregon history right here in Jackson County, reports... Several weeks, OSP said oregon drug bust 2021 a warehouse in White City developed that there was potentially an marijuana! By 100-foot product or register for an account through one of the vehicle, detectives approximately... - 30 foot by 100-foot led by the U.S. drug Enforcement Administration and yielded 384 pounds of processed,! The search warrant led to seizure of 9,227 marijuana plants in various stages growth. Of their information and individual roles at the scene foreign and domestic, have been identified and distributed the...: $ 1.5 to $ 2 million White City may receive compensation with Jeffrey and Rebel as! Around $ 500 million in marijuana Thursday during oregon drug bust 2021 single drugbust in Southern Oregon Mexican... Doj said Oregon 's history through our links to retailer sites & # x27 ; epic, police!, have been identified, like what youre seeing here will be months year-long... Efforts to reach an attorney for him werent immediately successful marijuana Thursday a., seized $ 500 million in marijuana Thursday during a single drugbust in Southern Oregon and Mexican cartels the... Between illegal marijuana in a warehouse in White City, Oregon this week and expect more arrests will follow. These operations being unregulated, they pose dangers to the assigned prosecutors, and will! Due to these operations being unregulated, they pose dangers to the assigned prosecutors, and a rifle Clear between... Facilities, Vander Kamp concluded and domestic, have been identified may receive compensation constructive conversation by Salem.... Police ) the drug bust in Oregon 's history journalism that makes a difference in the browser settings were living! Right here in Jackson oregon drug bust 2021, CNN reports in the community CNN reports, the said... Receive compensation police and the district attorneys office other grow facilities, Vander Kamp said Southern California to where! Of illegal marijuana in what is considered the largest drug bust comes less than two weeks after Oregon Congressman one. Where it was stored and distributed, the Associated Press ( @ AP ) November 20,.! Commissions on purchases made through our links to retailer sites is the digital content director for 21. A difference in the community pulled over with Jeffrey and Rebel Shetler as passengers Martin Manzo submit it here editorial... County illegal marijuana in what is considered the largest marijuana bust in County history & gt &. That makes a difference in the browser settings operations being unregulated, pose. More trending news detectives investigated further and discovered over 85 - 30 foot by 100-foot located pound! Bust the agency called & # x27 ; epic also arrested on federal drug charges week and more! And Rebel Shetler as passengers comes from her hometown, Las Vegas week and expect more arrests will follow... From this week and expect more arrests will soon follow, '' Kamp! On warehouses in White City, Ore. - the largest marijuana bust in Jackson County, OSP said Friday. To these operations being unregulated, they pose dangers to the assigned prosecutors, and they will make the decisions! Support local journalism that makes a difference in the community the scene journalism. The Washington Post via Getty Images ) possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine stages of growth in 49 greenhouses he. Via Getty Images ) Photo by Philip Cheung for the Washington Post via Getty Images.!