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PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) — An extensive law enforcement initiative targeting drug trafficking in the Portland area earlier this year resulted in 46 arrests and a significant seizure of illegal substances, according to officials.
The operation, which was concentrated on combating fentanyl distribution, took place in February and saw collaboration among various law enforcement agencies spanning local, state, and national levels.
Authorities responded to a surge of fentanyl entering the Pacific Northwest, primarily linked to the Sinaloa Cartel based in Honduras, as noted by the Portland Police Bureau.
In addition to the arrests, the operation led to the confiscation of $204,007 in cash, 20 firearms, and a variety of drugs, including 44 pounds of fentanyl powder, 2,507 fentanyl pills, 22 pounds of methamphetamine, nine pounds of cocaine, and two pounds of heroin. These significant finds were partially attributed to the deployment of K9 units.
“Fentanyl has no place in our city. Our partnership with local, state, and federal agencies strengthens our collective response,” stated Portland Police Chief Bob Day. He emphasized that while this operation marked a meaningful victory, it is merely a part of an ongoing strategy to ensure public safety in Portland.
David F. Reames from the Drug Enforcement Administration’s Seattle Field Division highlighted the gravity of the fentanyl seizure, pointing out that it could have resulted in over 1.5 million potentially lethal doses—enough to pose a lethal threat to the entire population of Portland multiple times.
“Most of those arrested for drug distribution were found to be unlawfully present in the United States,” Reames stated. “These traffickers exploited vulnerable individuals, including minors, to peddle these dangerous substances. This case underscores our commitment to holding accountable those who peddle harm in our communities.”
Besides the Portland Police Bureau and the DEA, several agencies contributed to the recent anti-fentanyl campaigns, including the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Multnomah County Sheriff’s Office, the Multnomah County District Attorney’s Office, and the U.S. Attorney’s Office. Support also came from a specialized task force part of the High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area program, which includes collaboration with the Oregon State Police and Homeland Security Investigations, among others.
Chief Bob Day reiterated that effective collaboration is vital in addressing the immense challenges posed by the ongoing drug crisis.
“I take pride in witnessing our agencies unite across various jurisdictions—federal, state, and county—to achieve success in enhancing the safety and security of all Portland residents,” he remarked. “The results of these operations clearly demonstrate the efficacy of our joint efforts.”
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