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. 0:56. Barney is the digital content director for NewsChannel 21. Photo by NICHOLAS KAMM/AFP via Getty Images. But law enforcement . 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. 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. The alleged associates include Eugene residents Gustavo Manzo-Mares, 45;Candice Barrett, 52;John Willis, 59;and Nathan Daniels, 46. CNN Sans & 2016 Cable News Network. However, our investigators chose to handle this unusual situation more as a humanitarian effort, to ensure their safety and well-being. 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. >> Read more trending news "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. While possession of small amounts of marijuana is legal for recreational use in Oregon, such large, unlicensed operations remain illegal. 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. We are still processing evidence from this week and expect more arrests will soon follow," Vander Kamp concluded. It is certainly an issue we deal with on a daily basis here.. 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. Due to these operations being unregulated, they pose dangers to the public and environment, Vander Kamp said in Friday's news release. He was arrested that day and lodged at the Crook County Adult Jail. Manzo-Negrete was charged with possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine. The Deschutes County Illegal Marijuana Enforcement program is a partnership between the sheriffs office, Bend police and the district attorneys office. 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. Did you encounter any technical issues? Four other people were also arrested on federal drug charges. Cannabis is one industry that's actually coming out of Covid even stronger. Detectives investigated further and discovered over 85 - 30 foot by 100-foot . Katie went to the Hank Greenspun School of Journalism & Media Studies at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas. Please keep your comments respectful and relevant. Overloaded electrical wiring has caused fires in other grow facilities, Vander Kamp said. Feds announce biggest meth bust in Oregon's history By AP . You can review our Community Guidelines by clicking here. 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.". It is certainly an issue we deal with on a daily basis here.. Police called the living conditions subpar and noted they lacked running water. Daily Weather Forecast NBC5 News first reported about the drug bust over the weekend now we're getting more information on this massive bust. 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. 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. 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. October 4, 2021. In addition to the massive amount of marijuana discovered atthe scene, Oregon State Police said its Drug Enforcement Section team foundmore than100 individuals, several of which were migrant workers living on-site in subpar living conditions without running water. 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. I cannot share details of the 'duress'; the unpaid workers had been paying off personal or family debts owed to the cartel organization. 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. Four Oregon men were arrested after investigators said they were found with methamphetamine inside their vehicles. Drug overdose deaths hit an all-time high in 2021 with 1069, a 41% increase from 2020. 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. In September 2011, Portland Police netted the largest drug bust in the bureau's history. 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. 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. Your California Privacy Rights/Privacy Policy. 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.. 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. RELATED: Clear links between illegal marijuana grows in Southern Oregon and Mexican cartels. 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. As you can imagine, many feared retaliation or punishment from the grow owners after the raid and chose to leave the area. 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. 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. Over 100 people were also detained during the investigation. 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. Learn more about Barney here. (Oregon State Police) The drug bust comes less than two weeks after Oregon Congressman. While their marijuana cultivations activities are unlawful, our investigation determined that (they) are not responsible for the overall operation of the grow site. CNNs Alicia Wallace contributed to this report. Our website uses cookies to improve your experience. Learn more about: Privacy Policy, NBC5 News reporter Katie Streit comes from her hometown, Las Vegas. 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. COOS BAY, Ore. - A fatal overdose led to a large drug bust on the Coast this week. 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. Efforts to reach an attorney for him werent immediately successful. 2023 Advance Local Media LLC. 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). Wednesday, March 17th 2021 Four Oregon men were arrested after investigators said they were found with methamphetamine inside their vehicles. Cookie Settings/Do Not Sell My Personal Information. 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. 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. U.S. Attorneys Office photo. Manzo-Negrete has been detained pending future court proceedings. Oregon State Police found over 500,000 pounds of illegal marijuana in a warehouse in White City. 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: "We have received several inquires asking why the migrants were not being arrested. Manzo-Negrete appeared in federal court Sept. 16, where he was ordered to be detained pending court proceedings. in Crook County. 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 . If you purchase a product or register for an account through one of the links on our site, we may receive compensation. "Our efforts will be spent seeking out and charging the 'management' and command persons of this operation in Oregon, the United States and Mexico. Oregon legalized recreational marijuana in 2015. RELATED: Feds announce biggest meth bust in Oregon's history. Manzo-Negrete has been detained pending future court proceedings. And very few people are getting into treatment . During the operation, which spanned over two days, an epic amount of illegal, processed marijuana and a firearm were seized, the Facebook post reads. Attorneys office in Oregon. We believe some of the workers we encountered are 'contractors' that travel around during the marijuana cultivation season, making a handsome income. Manzo-Negrete has been detained pending future court proceedings. Oregon State Police officers seized $500 million in marijuana Thursday during a single drug bust in Jackson County, Oregon. 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. PORTLAND, Ore. Authorities in Oregon said "an epic amount" of illegal, processed marijuana was confiscated on Thursday, with more than 500,000 pounds seized. For example, residents in Alfalfa and nearby areas have been struggling with consistent groundwater sources. Most of the drugs were in packaging bearing the suspect's moniker, MCSO said. A bust the agency called 'epic . 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) Connect with the definitive source for global and local news. Jeffrey & Rebel Shetler, as well as Anderson, were arrested at this time and lodged at the Crook County Adult Jail. Several of them traveled from the East Coast and others from California. During a search of the vehicle, detectives located approximately pound of methamphetamine, U.S. currency, and a rifle. 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. OSP will be releasing more information when available.. 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 operation was the largest in U.S. history. 2 min read Methamphetamine, heroin, pills, cash and guns seized by Salem police. The grows also have a very high electrical demand due to the lights, fans and other equipment. Information was developed that there was potentially an illegal marijuana grow at a 150-acre property on Harpold Road. Vander Kamp said several million dollars worth of marijuana was being growth in the extraordinary, very sophisticated operation. 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. 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. Thecase was investigated by the DEA with assistance from Springfield and Eugene police, andthe Linn Interagency Narcotics Enforcement team. 4:32 PM EST, Sun November 21, 2021. Approximately 500,000 pounds of marijuana were found over the two-day investigation. 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 . If you would like to share a story idea, please submit it here. Vander Kamp said about 20 people were detained and later released by detectives at the scene. 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. 2021. 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. 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. KTVZ NewsChannel 21 is committed to providing a forum for civil and constructive conversation. Mail Tribune to cease operations Friday - 1/13/2023. https://t.co/Ccyvr4hGnt, The Associated Press (@AP) November 20, 2021. 2021 10:40 AM A A. . BUELLTON, SANTA BARBARA, CALIFORNIA - OCTOBER 2: Workers harvest cannabis plants at the Raw Garden cannabis farm in Buellton, California on October 2, 2018. The meth was transported in large quantities by car from Southern California to Oregon where it was stored and distributed, the DOJ said. Share. 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. The four associates arrested also facedfederal drug charges, according to the DOJ. 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. Vander Kamp also provided this statement about the workers on Saturday: "We assisted the migrant workers to collect their property and load vehicles during the late afternoon after the search warrant. Most of these larger seizures, like what youre seeing here will be months to year-long investigations, said Cpt. 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, 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. (Photo by Philip Cheung for The Washington Post via Getty Images). Example video title will go here for this video. 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. Police executed a search warrant Thursday at a location that included five warehouses full of marijuana, according to an Oregon State Police Facebook post. 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. Bags of seized methamphetamine.U.S. Subscriber offer:Support local journalism that makes a difference in the community. Not the marijuana from the story. Subscribe today! (RELATED: $1.7 Million Worth Of Washed Up Cocaine, 62 Pounds Of Marijuana Found In Florida Keys). After receiving information that a large amount of drugs would be . Authorities in Los Angeles County, California, seized $1 billion worth of marijuana July 8. Four other people were also arrested on federal drug charges. Complex Media, Inc. All Rights Reserved. (Update: More details on migrant workers' status), Detectives say most laborers were Mexican nationals illegally trafficked into US, forced to work. 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