News Release from: Oregon State Police
THREE ARRESTED IN GRANTS PASS ON METHAMPHETAMINE CHARGES (PHOTOS)
Posted: January 3rd, 2013 1:55 PM
Photo/sound file: http://www.flashalertnewswire.net/images/news/2013-01/1002/60626/010213.rade.1.jpg
Photo/sound file: http://www.flashalertnewswire.net/images/news/2013-01/1002/60626/010213.rade.2.jpg
Three people were arrested Wednesday by the interagency Rogue Area Drug Enforcement (RADE) team with assistance of Grants Pass Department of Public Safety (GPDPS) following a several-month long investigation into a significant methamphetamine distribution organization in Josephine County. The three men were lodged in the Josephine County Jail.
According to Oregon State Police (OSP) Sergeant Jim Johnson, on the morning of January 2, 2013, RADE and GPDPS detectives established surveillance on a Grants Pass-area residence after receiving information that an out-of-state shipment of methamphetamine was in the process of being distributed in the area. Detectives saw a subject identified as CHRIS SAGE, age 48, from Grants Pass, leave an apartment carrying a canvas tarp concealing firearms. GPDPS stopped SAGE who resisted arrest before being taken into custody on two Fail to Appear felony warrants. Subsequent search of a car driven by SAGE led officers to seize a stolen AR-15 rifle, a shotgun, over one pound of marijuana, and approximately 4 ounces of methamphetamine.
As the investigation progressed during the day, officers stopped another vehicle occupied by 3 people on 7th Street near Manzanita Avenue. Two males identified as JOHN GABRIEL MARTINEZ, age 28, and TARO MANUITA, age 36, both from Sacramento, California, were arrested for Unlawful Possession, Distribution, and Manufacture of a Controlled Substance - Methamphetamine. Additional charges may be pending for both men. An adult female was released and not arrested.
Additional follow up based upon information developed during the day led RADE and GPDPS detectives to another apartment where they seized over one pound of methamphetamine, a safe containing another pound of methamphetamine, and four firearms. An OSP drug detection canine assisted detectives during this seizure.
The investigation is continuing and additional arrests anticipated.
The interagency RADE team is comprised of personnel from the Grants Pass Department of Public Safety, Oregon State Police, Josephine County District Attorney's Office, and the Josephine County Community Corrections.
Anyone with information regarding suspicious drug activity or marijuana growing operations is encouraged to call the RADE tip line at (541) 955-6970.
Photographs - RADE
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