OSP Traffic Stop Leads to Three Arrests, Seizure of 21 Kilos of Cocaine and 2 Pounds of Crystal Meth.
(WOODBURN, Ore.) - Oregon State Police Drug Enforcement Section detectives are continuing an investigation following a Friday afternoon traffic stop on Interstate 5 in the Woodburn area and arrest of three men allegedly transporting 21 kilos of Cocaine and two pounds of crystal methamphetamine.
At approximately 3:09 PM Friday, two Oregon State Police troopers, one with a drug detection canine, were working traffic enforcement along Interstate 5 north of Salem when they both saw a 2000 Chevrolet Tahoe sport utility vehicle with Washington license plates having difficulty maintaining a single lane of travel.
The troopers stopped the vehicle with three occupants northbound near milepost 271 at the bottom of the off ramp to Woodburn.
Upon contacting the driver, 20-year old Arturo Madrid-Suarez of Mt. Vernon, Washington, the troopers noted he was very nervous. Consent to search the vehicle was granted, and with the assistance of the drug detection canine the troopers discovered a hidden interior compartment. Closer examination of the hidden compartment revealed it contained 21 kilos of Cocaine, (approximately 45 pounds) and two pounds of Crystal Methamphetamine.
The three occupants were taken into custody without incident. The passengers were identified as 26-year old Eligio Davila-Gamez of Pittsburg, California, and 23-year old Oscar Legaspi-Gutierrez of Antioch, California.
In addition to INS holds, the three men were lodged in Marion County Jail each on the following charges:
1) Unlawful Possession of a Controlled Substance – Cocaine2) Unlawful Possession of a Controlled Substance – Methamphetamine3) Unlawful Distribution of a Controlled Substance – Cocaine4) Unlawful Distribution of a Controlled Substance – Methamphetamine5) Conspiracy to Possess a Controlled Substance – Cocaine6) Conspiracy to Distribute a Controlled Substance – Cocaine7) Conspiracy to Possess a Controlled Substance – Methamphetamine8) Conspiracy to Distribute a Controlled Substance – Methamphetamine
Oregon State Police Drug Enforcement Section (OSP DES) detectives estimate the value of the seized drugs at approximately $500,000. It is believed to be one of the largest Oregon State Police traffic-related Cocaine seizures in several years.
OSP DES is being assisted by Immigration and Customs Enforcement officers. Woodburn Fire Department personnel assisted at the scene. Due to the ongoing investigation, further details related to the transportation and concealment of the drugs will not be provided.
Pounds of Cocaine and Meth Seized Near WoodburnSalem-News.com