Here’s what Portland Police are doing to reduce open-air illegal drug use and sales in outer East Portland …
At one of three areas along the TriMet MAX Light Rail Line in the Hazelwood neighborhood, Portland Police uniformed officers work with law enforcement specialty teams to put a stop to open-air illegal drug use and sales.
Story and photos by David F. Ashton
Although the Portland Police Bureau (PPB) didn’t reveal their October 2nd drug abuse mission until days later, it’s now announced that this effort, done in collaboration with the Multnomah County Sheriff’s Office’s Transit Police Division (MCSO TPD) was successful.
After a drug dealer is taken into custody, an officer starts documenting the arrest.
“The PPB has received many concerns from the community about open air drug use in specific areas of the Hazelwood neighborhood,” a PPB official explained to reporters. “And, there have been reports of seeing drug suppliers targeting people suffering from addiction.
“PPB is committed to working those areas, as we know that people suffering from addiction leverage multiple services at these locations, with the goal of recovery,” the Portland Police spokesperson continued. “Not only can drug dealing here have a devastating impact on those working on recovery, but also on the surrounding communities and businesses.”
On the hood of a police vehicle, these confiscated drugs – including powder and pills, in plastic bags and in other containers – are displayed. PPB image
So, on October 2nd, the PPB’s East Precinct officers, their Neighborhood Response Team members, and those with the MCSO TPD, focused their attention on locating and shutting down open drug use, and taking into custody the suppliers – starting at the TriMet MAX Light Rail Gateway Transit Center at NE 99th Avenue and Pacific Street.
The teams also “visited” stations along East Burnside Street at NE 122nd Avenue and at 148th Avenue.
The combined results were impressive:
18 Custodies
2 Felony Warrants
17 Misdemeanor Warrants
19 Vehicle Stops
28 Subject Stops
1 Vehicle Towed
1 Recovered Stolen Bike ($2,000 value)
Back at PPB East Precinct, these confiscated drugs in plastic bags, cash, and a scale, are spread out on a table.
Drugs Seized:
1,444 grams – Fentanyl
33 grams – Heroin
1,000 – Blue Fentanyl Pills
“We will continue to partner with surrounding agencies, and continue to work these areas in our community,” the PPB official promised.
© 2024 David F. Ashton ~ East Portland News™