Illegal Marijuana Lab Discovered After Glendale Fire Doused: 2 Arrested
DOUGLAS COUNTY, Ore. — The Douglas Interagency Narcotics Team (DINT) was called in to investigate a suspicious structure fire earlier contained by the Glendale Fire Department in the 1400 block of Tunnel Road.
An illegal Butane Hash Oil (BHO) lab was the likely cause of the fire and the following morning, evidence of a suspected production facility and illegal marijuana extraction lab was discovered.
BHO Lab Discovered In Structure Fire
Initially reported to 911 at around 4:14 PM, Glendale Fire firefighters contained the blaze, stopping the spread to the surrounding dry forest fuels and nearby residences. While the fire was extinguished, a 1,500 sq. ft. general-purpose building at the site was destroyed.
At about 9:00 PM, Deputies from the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office also responded. Because of the danger and complexity linked to BHO labs, DINT requested and was granted a search warrant for the property, residence, and structures at the location. The warrant was executed around 3:30 AM on Sunday, August 4, when the evidence was discovered.
Due to the use of extremely flammable and volatile solvents, like butane, BHO labs pose significant risks. Often operated without proper knowledge or safety equipment, usually in closed buildings that lack adequate ventilation and safety systems, even a small spark can ignite the vapors in these clandestine operations, leading to explosions and fires. The fires can cause injuries, fatalities, and extensive property damage.
Authorities indicated that the facility had no ODA permits for hemp production, OLCC permits for recreational marijuana, or any medical marijuana licensing.
Read also: Jackson County Sheriffs Arrest Suspect For Fire In Table Rock Road House
2 Arrested After Glendale Fire Revealed Drug Lab
No injuries were reported but two people fled before the first responders arrived. Another two- 38-year-old Christopher Drezek of Glendale and 35-year-old Kendall Jorgensen of Ashland, were contacted at the scene. Neither were injured.
A substantial amount of processed marijuana was destroyed in the fire and detectives discovered significant evidence of illegal black-market marijuana production- including about five pounds of finished BHO product and thousands of pounds of processed marijuana.
Several other controlled substance crimes were uncovered by further searches and detectives seized significant volumes of suspected fentanyl, MDMA, LSD, ketamine, psilocybin mushrooms, and DMT. Often, these substances are laced into marijuana products or used with other marijuana products, posing a high risk to unwary consumers.
Eight firearms were also seized from the premises. Kendall Jorgensen and Christopher Drezek were arrested. They have both been charged with an Arson Incident to Manufacture of Cannabinoid Extract 1st degree and Unlawful Manufacture of Marijuana. Charges of Unlawful Delivery of Marijuana and Unlawful Possession of Marijuana were also included on the charge sheet.
In addition, Jorgensen was charged with:
- 2 counts of Unlawful Possession of Schedule I Controlled Substance
- Unlawful Possession of Schedule II Controlled Substance
- Unlawful Possession of MDMA
The investigation is ongoing, with further arrests anticipated. Suspects are believed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
DINT is actively seeking the current location of the two people who fled the scene before law enforcement arrived. The two found on the scene were lodged at the Douglas County Jail.