You’ll be amazed at the vast quantity of evidence officials seized – and perhaps you’ll also be surprised that the arrested suspects were set free …
A suspect in a Portland area marijuana distribution operation wasn’t at his Pleasant Valley home Friday night – police say he was ready to take a “red-eye” flight, taking a load of cash with him.
Story and photos by David F. Ashton
For several weeks, the Drugs and Vice Division (DVD) at the Portland Police Bureau (PPB) have been working to round up members of what they call a marijuana growing and distribution operation.
The DVD officers, working with the Oregon High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area (HIDTA) Interdiction Task Force, partnered up with the Port of Portland Police January 24 through 26, and arrested two people and made a significant seizure of narcotics, cash, and property.
This investigation started on Friday January 24, at 10:00 p.m., when DVD investigators contacted 39-year-old Kao Choy Saechao at the Portland International Airport, reported PPB Public Information Officer Sgt. Pete Simpson.
Saechao’s luggage held more than just clothing and toiletries. “During a search of his luggage, $49,000 in cash was located,” Simpson said.
After being booked on two criminal charges, 39-year-old Kao Choy Saechao was back home before the day was over. MCDC booking photo
Then, DVD investigators then served a search warrant at Saechao’s home in far southeast outer East Portland neighborhood of Pleasant Valley, at 8404 SE 134th Drive. “At the residence, investigators seized an additional $2,900 in cash, a small amount of steroids, approximately 12 pounds of processed marijuana, four rifles, and two handguns.”
Kao Choy Saechao was booked into the Multnomah County Detention Center (MCDC) at 4:11 a.m. on January 25 charges of Delivery and Possession of Marijuana, and Money Laundering. But, he was released after meeting bail, later that day.
At a Gresham house, investigator observed two men loading a Cadillac SUV with hundreds of pounds of pot. PPB image
Next, on January 25, investigators obtained information leading them to apply for a search warrant for a Gresham house in the 3800 block of NE View Place – the home of 42-year-old Matthew Parker and his 19-year-old son, Dreyson Parker.
“As officers were waiting for the search warrant, 43-year-old Edwin Logan Olson and 19-year-old Dreyson Parker exited the residence with several large trash bags they placed into the back of a 2002 Cadillac Escalade parked in the driveway,” Simpson recounted.
When officers contacted the pair at the residence, they detained Olson, but Dreyson Parker fled the area.
“Investigators served the search warrant and during a search of the Escalade they discovered approximately 212 pounds of processed marijuana in the trash bags, as well as three Super Bowl XLVIII tickets,” stated Simpson. “Additionally, a 2002 Hummer H2 was seized at the residence.”
43-year-old Edwin Logan Olson was caught red-handed loading big bags of marijuana into a SUV, but he, too, was released the same day he was booked. MCDC booking photo
Olson was taken away and booked into MCDC on January 25 at 1:38 p.m., on charges of Delivery and Possession of Marijuana – but he also was “Released on His Own Recognizance” later in the day.
While MCDC was processing Olson, investigators found a treasure trove inside the Gresham home. They seized more than $300,000 in cash, $3,850 Euros, and an 80” television. At a storage locker, investigators seized a 47” television and a large amount of marijuana growing equipment.
This is some of the $300,000 seized by investigators in the Gresham house. PPB image
“Additionally, investigators learned of a storage locker belonging to Matthew Parker in Florida,” Simpson said. “Florida law enforcement served a warrant on the storage locker and recovered 45 pounds of processed marijuana.”
The evening of January 25, investigators rolled out to the Hazelwood neighborhood in outer East Portland.
Inside this unassuming Hazelwood neighborhood house, investigators found an indoor pot farm.
No room for furniture here! This rental house contains a substantial pot growing operation. PPB image
“At 1243 NE 126th Ave., investigators discovered a marijuana grow site, containing 84 mature marijuana plants and growing equipment,” Simpson informed.
Officials say they’re now looking for 42-year-old Matthew Parker and his son Dreyson Parker. Police supplied Oregon Driver’s License images
DVD investigators are seeking information on the whereabouts of Matthew and Dreyson Parker. Running was made more difficult for the father and son, because investigators also seized approximately $25,000 from various bank accounts belonging to Matthew Parker.
It appears as if these 2014 Super Bowl tickets – with a face value of $1,500 each – will be going unused, when the big game kicks off. PPB image
Instead of enjoying Super Bowl XLVIII in person, it appears as if these suspects will have to be satisfied watching it on a motel room TV.
Anyone with information on their whereabouts, or any information concerning the above-mentioned individuals should contact Officer Chris Devin of the Drugs and Vice Division, (503) 823-0246 or chris.devlin@portlandoregon.gov.
© 2014 David F. Ashton ~ East Portland News
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