Arrest Made After Major Drug Bust on I-5 Near Ashland

Ashland, Oregon– In a coordinated effort, members of the Medford Area Drug and Gang Enforcement team (MADGE) intercepted a vehicle along Interstate 5 on the evening of Tuesday, January 16. The operation, conducted with the support of the Oregon State Police and the Illegal Marijuana Enforcement Team (IMET), resulted in a substantial seizure of narcotics.

MADGE investigators, acting on credible information, halted the vehicle suspected of transporting large amounts of narcotics in the region. The operation involved Medford Police K9 “Bodie,” whose keen senses alerted to the presence of narcotics within the vehicle. Following this discovery, a search warrant was promptly obtained.

The subsequent search of the vehicle unveiled a staggering 105 pounds of methamphetamine and 12 pounds of fentanyl. The discovery underscored the significance of the MADGE team’s efforts in combating drug trafficking at both local and broader levels.

MADGE, a multi-jurisdictional narcotics task force, employs an intelligence-driven, multi-agency prosecutor-support approach to identify, disrupt, and dismantle drug trafficking organizations. The team receives crucial support from the Oregon-Idaho High-Intensity Drug Trafficking Area (HIDTA), which comprises members from various law enforcement agencies, including the Medford Police Department, Jackson County Sheriff’s Office, the District Attorney’s Office, Parole and Probation, Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), and the FBI.

The Oregon-Idaho HIDTA program, sponsored by the Office of National Drug Control Policy (ONDCP), plays a vital role in coordinating and providing funding resources to multi-agency drug enforcement initiatives, such as MADGE.

The suspect apprehended in connection with this significant drug bust is identified as Cruz Bernardo Lopez-Ramos, 31 years old, and is not a local resident. Lopez-Ramos faces charges of Unlawful Possession and Distribution of Methamphetamine – Commercial Drug Offense, as well as Unlawful Possession and Distribution of Fentanyl – Commercial Drug Offense.

This operation showcases the dedication and effectiveness of collaborative efforts among law enforcement agencies in the ongoing fight against drug trafficking in the region. Officials say MADGE and its partner agencies remain committed to maintaining the safety and well-being of the community through proactive measures and strategic enforcement actions.