The Eugene Police Street Crimes Unit, supported by the Eugene Police Special Investigations Unit, concluded a thorough drug investigation involving local resident

Eugene, OR – According to the police officials, te investigation culminated in 69-year-old Eugene resident’s, Michael Bethel, apprehension during a traffic stop on Interstate 5 near Cottage Grove, conducted after a local judge issued a search warrant for Bethel and his vehicle.

During the stop, law enforcement seized approximately 40 pounds of methamphetamine.

Subsequently, SCU, SIU, along with support from Eugene Police SWAT, Drones, and the Crisis Negotiation Team, executed a residential search warrant at Bethel’s residence on the 2900 block of Allane Avenue.

During the search, an additional four pounds of methamphetamine, an ounce of cocaine, U.S. currency, a digital scale, packaging material, pay/owe records, and one firearm were confiscated.

Bethel now faces charges including Unlawful Manufacture of Methamphetamine, Unlawful Delivery of Methamphetamine, Unlawful Possession of Methamphetamine (Substantial Quantity/Commercial Drug Offense), and Unlawful Possession of Cocaine (Substantial Quantity/Commercial Drug Offense). Additionally, the Lane County District Attorney’s Office will review one charge of Felon in Possession of a Firearm after confirming Bethel’s prior felony conviction status in other states.

The success of this operation was bolstered by intelligence shared through the SCU and SIU’s partnership with the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), as well as Drug K9 assistance provided by the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office and the Lane County Sheriff’s Office.