BENT Busts Major Drug Operation

June 2, 2017 3:37 pm

Photo via blue mountain enforcement narcotics team

Photo via blue mountain enforcement narcotics team

MILTON-FREEWATER, Oregon – The Blue Mountain Enforcement Narcotics Team rolled up a major narcotics operation in northern Umatilla County. Pendleton Police Chief Stuart Roberts says the service of two search warrants Wednesday was the result of more than a year-long investigation.

Adan Nieves Torres, 43, was arrested at his home at 504 Elzora Loop. Carlos Cisneros Razo was taken into custody at his residence at 1501 N. Elizabeth Street, Space ‘F.’

It all started with a traffic stop and a consent search of a Chevrolet truck registered to Torres Family Landscaping of Lakewood, Washington.

BENT detectives chose to stop the truck even though they had search warrants in hand for two residences. Roberts says that’s because law enforcement is pulling away from dynamic entry busts, and seeking tactics to defuse what could end up being potential hostage situations.

“The sheer quantities that Mr. Torres had in his possession are huge – especially the heroin,” Roberts said.

BENT detectives uncovered substantial quantities of drugs there, including 1.5 pounds of methamphetamine, 4.3 pounds of heroin, and 5.6 pounds of cocaine. They also seized more than $26,000 in cash and two firearms. BENT found that one of those guns was stolen out of the Walla Walla area. In addition, body armor, scales and packaging materials were seized.

The search warrant for Razo’s residence turned up more than 16 grams of methamphetamine, scales, and packaging material. Also, at the time of his arrest, the suspect was allegedly carrying a loaded .32-caliber handgun concealed on his person.

Roberts says the narcotics and possible firearms charges are being referred to the Umatilla County District Attorney’s Office and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for possible prosecution.