MADGE Operations Result in Significant Drug and Firearm Seizures in Medford Area

Medford, Oregon– In a series of successful operations over the past several months, the Medford Area Drug and Gang Enforcement team (MADGE) has continued its pursuit of removing dangerous drugs and firearms from the local community.

The extended work of MADGE investigators has led to the apprehension of several individuals involved in drug trafficking activities. Three recent cases highlight the significant impact of MADGE’s operations:

The Case 1: October 26, 2023 MADGE investigators, following a month-long investigation, intercepted suspects in the North Medford Walmart parking lot. A subsequent search of the suspect’s vehicle uncovered 9 pounds of Methamphetamine and a substantial amount of cash. Arrested were Angela Rehberger, 52, and Stacy Carlisle, 51, both residents of Grants Pass. The investigation revealed their involvement in transporting drugs from northern California to Medford.

Case 2: January 31, 2024 MADGE detectives, acting on intelligence gathered over several weeks, apprehended two individuals in the South Medford Walmart parking lot. The suspects, identified as Luis Lepe-Rodriguez, 45, and Aurora Mendoza-Valencia, 55, both from Crescent City, were found in possession of 10 pounds of Methamphetamine, 6 ounces of Fentanyl, and cash. Their arrest disrupted the flow of drugs from Crescent City to the Medford area.

Case 3: February 15, 2024 Executing a search warrant at the Motel 6 in North Medford, MADGE officers targeted a group of Honduran nationals involved in drug trafficking from the Bay Area in California. During the operation, 10 pounds of Methamphetamine and a loaded handgun were seized. Yoel Fernando Valladares-Galvez, 29, and Carlos Rivas-Gamez, 19, were arrested on drug charges.

Officials remark that the success of MADGE operations can be attributed to its intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach. MADGE, a multi-jurisdictional narcotics task force, collaborates with various law enforcement agencies, including the Medford Police Department, Jackson County Sheriff’s Office, District Attorney’s Office, Parole and Probation, Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), and the FBI.

MADGE’s efforts are supported by the Oregon-Idaho High-Intensity Drug Trafficking Area (HIDTA) program, which provides funding and resources to combat drug trafficking across state lines. HIDTA, sponsored by the Office of National Drug Control Policy (ONDCP), plays a crucial role in coordinating and supporting multi-agency drug enforcement initiatives like MADGE.