By Mindy Gould on Friday, September 8th, 2023 in Eastern/Southeast Oregon News More Top Stories
Harney County(Released from the Harney County Sheriff’s Office)-As a result of an ongoing narcotics investigation, a traffic stop was conducted on Highway 20 near Riley during the early morning hours of September 5, 2023. Harney County Sheriff’s Office Deputies and Oregon State Police Troopers performed a search of the vehicle and located approximately 1,000 Fentanyl Pills and an ounce of Methamphetamine. The tree occupants of the vehicle were taken into custody and lodged at the Harney County Jail. Due to the limitations placed on jails from Senate Bill 48 regarding the holding of pre-trail inmates, the tree subject were released on released agreements within hours of their arrest.
A few hours after the traffic stop, a search warrant was executed on a residence located at 109 S . Harney in the City of Burns. Some stolen property, narcotic paraphernalia, and narcotics were located at the residence. This residence has a direct connection to the occupants of the vehicle that had been searched earlier that morning. Agencies who assisted the Harney County Sheriff’s Office with executing the search warrant were Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office, Oregon State Police, urns Police Department and Hines Police Department.
No further details about this case can be released at this time due to this being an ongoing investigation.
I am very thankful to all law enforcement officers involved with this case. The hours of work that have gone into this investigation so far have prevented 1,000 Fentanyl pills from being distributed in our community and allowed us to recover and return stolen property to the rightful owners. This is a win in my book.
I would also like to thank the citizens who honored my request to stay away from the area on 109 S Harney while we were executing the search warrant. This allowed law enforcement to focus on the tasks at hand without unnecessary distractions.
The Harney County Sheriff’s Office will continue to pursue individuals involved with the illegal narcotics trade in Harney County.
Dan Jenkins-Harney County Sheriff