Another drug bust and confiscation has taken place. Oregon is dealing with a number of issues concerning poverty and homelessness. Drug use is also an issue as many use hard drugs to cope with life. On August 9th and 10th, 2023, officers from the Central Precinct afternoon patrol shift were joined by the Portland Police Narcotics and Organized Crime (NOC) Unit, the PPB Central Bike Squad, Central Precinct Neighborhood Response Team, and the PPB Traffic Division in a two-night mission targeting organized fentanyl dealing in Downtown Portland. Fentanyl dealing have created tragedies as more users consume fake pills.
Law enforcement are working on the issue in Portland. They have decided to partner of this massive issue. Due to the size of the area of downtown that the mission covered, assistance from partner agencies was requested. Over a dozen undercover officers and federal agents from the Oregon State Police, Homeland Security Investigations, and the Oregon National Guard Counter Drug Program assisted PPB with the mission.
Prosecutors from both the Multnomah County District Attorney’s Office (MCDA) and the United States Attorney’s Office Narcotics and Criminal Enterprises Unit were present during the mission, with Deputy District Attorneys from the Strategic Prosecution Unit of MCDA riding along with officers.
Police sent out their press release to report what they are doing. They stated that during the course of two nights, nine adults and four juveniles were arrested for drug dealing or weapons charges. One of the adults arrested was charged federally for Possession with the Intent to Distribute a Controlled Substance (Fentanyl), in violation of Title 21, United States Code, Section 841(a)(1). The defendant was caught with approximately 164 grams of fentanyl powder and approximately 6,471 pills weighing 673 grams. All others arrested in this mission will face state charges.
Police sent out data that stated over 14,000 counterfeit oxycodone pills and nearly 1.8 pounds of powder containing fentanyl were seized as evidence. Additionally, two illegally possessed firearms and a stolen vehicle were recovered.
“This would not have been possible without the strong partnerships and collaboration between Central Precinct and our local, state and federal partners,” said Captain Christopher Lindsey of Central Precinct. “I would like to thank everyone who came to assist us with combating fentanyl dealing in Downtown Portland.”
