Drug Bust in Grants Pass Uncovers Large Amount of Fentanyl and Firearms

Grants Pass, Oregon– On Thursday, April 18, at approximately 9:00 AM, members of the Rogue Area Drug Enforcement (RADE) team, in collaboration with the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) Medford Office, conducted a search warrant operation in the 1800 block of NW Burns Ave. in Grants Pass, Oregon.

The search yielded significant findings, including approximately four pounds of fentanyl, along with an estimated $35,000.00 in suspected illegal drug proceeds. Additionally, thirteen firearms were seized, three of which were reported stolen. Other illicit substances discovered during the operation included over 12 ounces of methamphetamine, an ounce of cocaine, an ounce of Psilocybin mushrooms, and various other controlled substances.

As a result of the operation, Brandon Ruppel (47 years old) and Laura Berry (52 years old) were taken into custody and lodged in the Josephine County Jail. Both individuals face charges related to possession of a controlled substance (PCS Schedule II), drug distribution within close proximity to a school, and illegal possession of firearms by a felon. Jason Ruppel (50 years old), another occupant of the residence, was cited and subsequently released on multiple drug-related offenses and firearms charges.

The Rogue Area Drug Enforcement (RADE) team, a multi-jurisdictional narcotics task force, employs an intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach to identify, disrupt, and dismantle drug trafficking organizations at local, multi-state, and international levels. Supported by the Oregon-Idaho High-Intensity Drug Trafficking Area (HIDTA) program, RADE collaborates with agencies such as the Oregon State Police, Grants Pass Police Department, Josephine County Community Corrections, and the Josephine County District Attorney’s Office to combat drug-related crimes.

The Oregon-Idaho HIDTA program, sponsored by the Office of National Drug Control Policy (ONDCP), provides funding and coordination for multi-agency drug enforcement initiatives like RADE, facilitating efforts to address drug trafficking and related criminal activities.

According to authorities, no further information is currently available regarding this ongoing investigation.