Massive Drug Trafficking Bust Yields Meth, Heroin, And Cash

PORTLAND, OR — Special investigators with the Multnomah County Sheriff's Office seized roughly 20 pounds of methamphetamine, about seven pounds of heroin, and more than $100,000 in cash after arresting two suspected drug traffickers in Portland two weeks ago. Sheriff's officials announced the significant drug bust on Wednesday.

Amador Patino, 27, of Vancouver, Washington, and Prisciliano Vega-Alexandre, 26, of Salem, were both taken to Multnomah County Jail following their arrests on Aug. 14. Both men have since made bail, paying a combined total of $110,500 for their releases. They are each charged with possession and delivery of meth and heroin.

As of Aug. 29, both men reportedly have warrants for their arrest; Patino reportedly failed to appear for his first court hearing, and Vega-Alexandre did not report to his pretrial release hearing after posting bail.

The Multnomah County Sheriff's Office Special Investigations Unit (SIU) began its drug trafficking investigation months ago, officials said. But it was only on Aug. 14 that an arrest was finally made in the case.

According to court documents obtained by Patch, Patino and Vega-Alexandre on Aug. 14 were traveling in a green Toyota Prius under the watch of SIU investigators. Near the intersection of Southeast 115th Avenue and Southeast Powell Boulevard Vega-Alexandre, who was driving, made a traffic violation, prompting officers to initiate a traffic stop.

During the traffic stop officers arrested Vega-Alexandre, initially charging him with failure to carry and present a valid drivers license. On his person, Vega-Alexandre was reportedly carrying $1,050 in two separately folded bundles.

A subsequent search of the Prius reportedly turned up about an ounce of heroin in a baggie and $2,700 in cash. Additionally, investigators spotted Patino trying to hide six cell phones, all of which were ringing continuously throughout the traffic stop, vehicle search, and arrests.

At the same time investigators were arresting Patino and Vega-Alexandre, other investigators went to Patino's home in the 17000-block of Southeast Division Street.

At the home a woman answered the door. She reportedly told investigators she lived there with Patino before allowing them to search the residence.

The search resulted in the seizure of $97,000 in cash, which the woman said belonged to Patino, a vacuum sealer, bags, and written records that investigators believe detail the sale of drugs.

After searching the home, investigators requested and obtained another search warrant for the apartment from which Patino and Vega-Alexandre were seen leaving just before the traffic stop.

At the apartment, located in the 12000-block of Southeast Powell Court, investigators reportedly found another seven pounds of heroin and roughly 20 pounds of meth, along with more vacuum sealers, bags, and records of drug sales.

Investigators also found non-criminal records, like a lease agreement and utility bills, that tied Vega-Alexandre by name to the apartment, though both men reportedly had keys on them when they were arrested.

Now, with both men absconded, investigators ask the community for any tips that could help lead their arrest. If either man is seen, Multnomah County Sheriff's officials advise calling 911 immediately. Anyone with non-emergency information about either man can call 503-823-3333 and ask for a Multnomah County detective.

Images via Multnomah County Sheriff's Office