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. Vander Kamp said about 20 people were detained and later released by detectives at the scene. 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. She also hosted and produced the university's political news show, where she interviewed Nevada Governor Steve Sisolak and Congresswoman Dina Titus (NV-1). Oregon State Police officers seized $500 million in marijuana Thursday during a single drug bust in Jackson County, 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). 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. Central Oregon Daily is a subsidiary of Telephone and Data Systems, Inc., recognized as a Fortune 1000 2017 company. (RELATED: $1.7 Million Worth Of Washed Up Cocaine, 62 Pounds Of Marijuana Found In Florida Keys). The four associates arrested also facedfederal drug charges, according to the DOJ. 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. Over 100 people were also detained during the investigation. Share. 2023 Cable News Network. This is a very involved investigation and will be ongoing for several weeks, officials said in a statement. Detectives investigated further and discovered over 85 - 30 foot by 100-foot . A bust the agency called 'epic . 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. "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. 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. 2021 10:40 AM A A. . Information was developed that there was potentially an illegal marijuana grow at a 150-acre property on Harpold Road. Learn more about Barney here. Your effort and contribution in providing this feedback is much Several suspects, both foreign and domestic, have been identified. Barney is the digital content director for NewsChannel 21. 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 . After receiving information that a large amount of drugs would be . October 4, 2021. Approximately 500,000 pounds of marijuana were found over the two-day investigation. And very few people are getting into treatment . appreciated. Manzo-Negrete has been detained pending future court proceedings. Notifications can be turned off anytime in the browser settings. During the course of the investigation, detectives were able to identify several components of the operation, some of which included the individuals involved as well as different locations of interest. 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. (Update: More details on migrant workers' status), Detectives say most laborers were Mexican nationals illegally trafficked into US, forced to work. 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. Most of these larger seizures, like what youre seeing here will be months to year-long investigations, said Cpt. MCSO described the bust as one of the largest pill seizures by MCSO's Special Investigations Unit in recent history. 2 min read Methamphetamine, heroin, pills, cash and guns seized by Salem police. The case agent has collected all of their information and individual roles at the scene. 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. Authorities in Los Angeles County, California, seized $1 billion worth of marijuana July 8. "And it kind of turned our criminal investigation into now more of a humanitarian mission. The search warrant led to seizure of 9,227 marijuana plants in various stages of growth in 49 greenhouses, he said. While their marijuana cultivations activities are unlawful, our investigation determined that (they) are not responsible for the overall operation of the grow site. Not the marijuana from the story. PORTLAND, Ore. Authorities in Oregon said "an epic amount" of illegal, processed marijuana was confiscated on Thursday, with more than 500,000 pounds seized. This grow site used groundwater and maintained a complex watering system that supplied several on-site 15,000 to 20,000-gallon cisterns, he said. The meth was transported in large quantities by car from Southern California to Oregon where it was stored and distributed, the DOJ said. Jeffrey & Rebel Shetler, as well as Anderson, were arrested at this time and lodged at the Crook County Adult Jail. They were found living in primitive wooden structures and dome tents, with limited clean-water sources and dumping wastewater directly into the soil. Efforts to reach an attorney for him werent immediately successful. MALIN, Ore. - On August 3, 2021, Oregon State Police Detectives served a search warrant at an illegal marijuana grow on Harpold Road, Malin, Oregon. 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. Nov. 22, 2021 State police made the largest large-scale marijuana bust in southern Oregon while serving a warrant at an illegal White City processing facility consisting of five. 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. BUELLTON, SANTA BARBARA, CALIFORNIA - OCTOBER 2: Workers harvest cannabis plants at the Raw Garden cannabis farm in Buellton, California on October 2, 2018. The Central Oregon Drug Enforcement Team had been looking into a mid-size organization that was trafficking commercial quantities of meth throughout the Crook County region. Some of the drugs were hidden inside soda cans. NBC5 News first reported about the drug bust over the weekend now we're getting more information on this massive bust. 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. Detectives also seized 2,800 pounds of processed marijuana, two pistols and an AR-15 rifle. 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. Oregon State Police officers seized $500 million in marijuana Thursday during a single drug bust in Jackson County, Oregon. Some workers that did not have personal transportation were assisted by those that did. 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. YouTubes privacy policy is available here and YouTubes terms of service is available here. The suspected leader of a drug-trafficking group in Eugene was arrested last month, resulting in 384 pounds of methamphetamine being seized the largestmeth bust in Oregon history, according to a U.S. Department of Justice news release Monday. The bust included more than 10,000 pills including Xanax and Valium as well as recreational drugs. 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. 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. We are still processing evidence from this week and expect more arrests will soon follow," Vander Kamp concluded. Manzo-Negrete was charged with possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine. Oregon State Troopers seized roughly 500,000 pounds of processed marijuana this week during an illegal drug bust in Southern Oregon's Jackson County. A fifth associate, Frank Buehler, 52, remains at large, according to the release. You can review our Community Guidelines by clicking here. The joint operation was led by the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration and yielded 384 pounds of meth, stolen . 2023 Advance Local Media LLC. 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: 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. MEDFORD, Ore. - A suspect is behind bars after a heroin bust in Medford. Our editorial content is not influenced by any commissions we receive. Vander Kamp said detectives expect more arrests, after more follow-up investigations. 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. 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. Updated Four other people were also arrested on federal drug charges. Most of the drugs were in packaging bearing the suspect's moniker, MCSO said. 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. The arrest of a West Salem man Tuesday led to the seizure of 28 pounds of. Feds announce biggest meth bust in Oregon's history By AP . 0:05. Thecase was investigated by the DEA with assistance from Springfield and Eugene police, andthe Linn Interagency Narcotics Enforcement team. A Warner Bros. If you would like to share a story idea, please submit it here. Photo courtesy Salem The material on this site may not be reproduced, distributed, transmitted, cached or otherwise used, except with the prior written permission of Advance Local. 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. Also, illegal marijuana farms such as this often use pesticides and insecticides that threaten residential water supplies and endanger users. 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. Entertainment 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. 0:56. Learn more about: Privacy Policy, NBC5 News reporter Katie Streit comes from her hometown, Las Vegas. >> Read more trending news 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.. 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. 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. Four Oregon men were arrested after investigators said they were found with methamphetamine inside their vehicles. 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. Oregon State Police found over 500,000 pounds of illegal marijuana in a warehouse in White City. Packaged marijuana found during a raid on warehouses in White City, Oregon, on Nov. 18, 2021. Contact him atlkrauss@registerguard.com, and follow him on Twitter@LouisKraussNews. Oregon State Police found over 500,000 pounds of illegal marijuana in a warehouse in White City. September 2011: $1.5 to $2 million. We believe some of the workers we encountered are 'contractors' that travel around during the marijuana cultivation season, making a handsome income. 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. Over 100 people were also detained during the investigation. Katie is excited to tell the stories of local Southern Oregonians and Northern Californians. 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 Central Oregon Drug Enforcement Team had been looking into a mid-size organization that was trafficking commercial quantities of meth throughout the Crook County region. The seizure comes at a time when legalized marijuana is flourishing. Efforts to reach an attorney for him werent immediately successful. Credit: Multnomah County Sheriff's Office, Rain returns today, along with mountain snow, Marshals arrest man for his alleged role in July 2022 homicide at MAX platform, March outlook shows cold weather likely to continue for next couple of weeks, Feds announce biggest meth bust in Oregon's history, Clear links between illegal marijuana grows in Southern Oregon and Mexican cartels. COMPLEX participates in various affiliate marketing programs, which means COMPLEX gets paid commissions on purchases made through our links to retailer sites. OSP said this is an ongoing investigation more information will be coming out later. But law enforcement . "Our efforts will be spent seeking out and charging the 'management' and command persons of this operation in Oregon, the United States and Mexico. 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. 2. The alleged associates include Eugene residents Gustavo Manzo-Mares, 45;Candice Barrett, 52;John Willis, 59;and Nathan Daniels, 46. Manzo-Negrete has been detained pending future court proceedings. 1 min read Police last week seized roughly 500,000 pounds of. NBC5 News first reported about the drug bust over the weekend now were getting more information on this massive bust. In September 2011, Portland Police netted the largest drug bust in the bureau's history. The Deschutes County Illegal Marijuana Enforcement program is a partnership between the sheriffs office, Bend police and the district attorneys office. https://t.co/Ccyvr4hGnt, The Associated Press (@AP) November 20, 2021. 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 they estimated had a street value of $500 million, police said. WHITE CITY, Ore. The largest marijuana bust in Oregon history right here in Jackson County. Four other people were also arrested on federal drug charges. Manzo-Negrete has been detained pending future court proceedings. 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. Carly Keenan is a multimedia journalist and producer for NewsChannel 21. Severe Weather PORTLAND, Ore. Authorities in Oregon said "an epic amount" of illegal, processed marijuana was confiscated on Thursday, with more than 500,000 pounds seized. However, our investigators chose to handle this unusual situation more as a humanitarian effort, to ensure their safety and well-being. 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. 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. 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. 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. Now more of a drug trafficking cell, 47-year-old Martin Manzo-Negrete, Nov.! It was stored and distributed, the Associated Press ( @ AP ) November 20,.. 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