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Release [print
friendly page] Dismantling of Major Methamphetamine Organization Continues (Eugene, Oregon) – Rodney G. Benson, Special Agent in Charge of the Seattle Field Division, Drug Enforcement Administration, announces the arrests of 12 suspects in an ongoing law enforcement investigation targeting members of the Bartolo Favela-Gonzales Methamphetamine Trafficking Organization. This group is responsible for transporting and distributing large quantities of methamphetamine from Mexico to Western Oregon.
To date, law enforcement has arrested 20 suspects, seized over 25 pounds of high-purity methamphetamine, $142,000 in cash, and numerous vehicles and firearms. On July 6, 2006 Federal, State and local law enforcement agencies in Linn County executed an additional eight federal search warrants and arrested 12 suspects for trafficking methamphetamine. Enforcement operations took place in Albany, Brownsville, Gresham, Lebanon, and Sweet Home, Oregon. “The continued arrest of this organization’s members will bring their devastating impact against our communities to an end.” said SAC Benson. “Methamphetamine has wreaked havoc against communities throughout the Willamette Valley for too long. The combined law enforcement efforts demonstrated throughout this investigation has clearly disrupted and dismantled this organization.” The following organizations assisted in the successful conclusion of this investigation: Drug Enforcement Administration, Immigration and Customs Enforcement, US Marshal Service, Oregon State Police, Linn County Sheriff’s Office, Lebanon Police Department, Portland Police Bureau, Regional Organized Crime Narcotics Team, and Sweet Home Police Department. The charges brought forth are only allegations, and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty. Any inquires or comments should be directed to DEA Seattle Public Information Officer Jeffrey Eig at 206-553-1411.
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