Drug enforcement agents and multiple law enforcement agencies conducted a series of Tuesday morning raids that are being called the largest drug bust in Jefferson County. Sheriff Marc Heckathorn said there were also signs of human trafficking.
“Based on the people that we’ve contacted, I’m going to say yes,” Heckathorn said when asked about the possibility.
The Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office said there were six simultaneous search warrants served at addresses across the northern part of the county, including Madras and Culver.
The locations were:
- SW Ford Lane near S. Adams Drive, Culver
- SW Feather Drive near SW Jericho Lane, Culver
- SW Dover Lane near Highway 26, Madras
- SW Bear Drive near the Culver Highway, Madras
- 1703 NE Hilltop Lane, Madras
- 1735 NE Hilltop Lane, Madras
At Heckathorn said at least 12 people have been taken into custody.
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“By all accounts this will be the largest ‘drug bust’ in Jefferson County history,” Heckathorn said in a statement.
Kiya Rodin lives across the street from the NE Hilltop Lane locations and says she has noticed strange activity from her neighbors, including unusual smells.
“Darked out van,” Rodin said. “Cars coming in with black windows coming at a pretty decent schedule.”
Heckathorn tells us the group involved has ties to Asia and has been buying homes throughout Jefferson County for its operation.
Information on the drugs involved, who was arrested and any weapons or money that were found are likely to be released Wednesday, the sheriff’s office said. CODE says there are no outstanding suspects and the community at large is not in danger.
Other law enforcement agencies involved included the Department of Homeland Security, Central Oregon Emergency Response Team, Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office, Crook County Sheriff’s Office and the Oregon State Police.
