Possessing some drugs is a crime again in Oregon

By Terry Murry on Tuesday, September 3rd, 2024 in Columbia Basin News More Top Stories

UMATILLA COUNTY – It is a crime in Oregon to possess certain narcotics. The new law went into effect on Sept. 1. With it comes a charge for counties to develop deflection programs that point people to treatment as opposed to a criminal misdemeanor.

Umatilla County District Attorney Dan Primus said that the state really hasn’t determined how the deflection programs will work.

“What is sufficient,” he asked. “We don’t know. This is brand new. I think it’s going to be up to us to be able to educate where we are and what we need to do to be successful.”

In Umatilla County it appears one law enforcement agency has already made an arrest on the criminal charge. A 26-year-old woman was jailed on Sept. 1 for unlawful possession of methamphetamine. She is also facing a felony parole violation.