Oregon: 5 People Arrested, Drugs And Money Seized In Focused Police Mission
The Portland Police Bureau’s (PPB) Central Precinct’s Neighborhood Response Team, which includes the Bike Squad, has engaged in a drug interdiction mission that led to arrests and the seizure of drugs and money on Wednesday night.
Portland Police Seize Drugs and Make Multiple Arrests
An increase in drug transactions and related livability concerns, including drug-related refuse, led to the Portland Police’s targeted mission on Wednesday evening.
The response team conducted a Drug Interdiction Mission in the areas of Goose Hollow, Old Town, inner southeast, and the South Park Blocks, as well as Northwest Johnson and Kearney, from 14th to 16th Avenues.
Broader systemic issues such as insufficient addiction services and an oversupply of fentanyl linked to international trafficking organizations contribute to the problems in the area. The PPB has focused on illicit drug markets in the area for months, and the current mission is one of several others that include extra resources.
During the mission, police seized 176.6 grams of meth, 12.8 grams of fentanyl, and $710.10. Four separate warrant arrests were executed, as well as one arrest for PCS/DCS Fentanyl and Meth (Federal Charges). In addition, Portland Police also issued:
- 2 Separate Cite In Lieu Warrant Arrests
- 2 Deflections
- 3 Traffic Cites
The PPB confirmed that they are engaged with more targeted enforcement missions, including weekly missions by bike teams to disrupt distribution networks in the area.
They are also pursuing prosecutions with their federal partners for higher-level offenders involved in the drug trade to ensure longer sentences and greater deterrence.
The department has increased enforcement of drug crimes since HB 4002 was implemented, but since September 1, it also transports people who qualify for deflection to the Pathway Center, which offers addiction services, supportive housing, and mental health care.
PPS aims to restore safety and livability to the area.