Structure Fire Leads to Discovery of Illegal BHO Lab

Glendale, Oregon – On Saturday evening, August 3, 2024, at approximately 9:00 PM, detectives with the Douglas Interagency Narcotics Team (DINT) began investigating a suspicious structure fire that had occurred earlier in the 1400 block of Tunnel Road.

The fire was initially reported to 911 at around 4:14 PM, prompting a response from Glendale Fire. The firefighters contained the blaze, preventing it from spreading to the surrounding dry forest fuels. Despite their efforts, the 1,500 sq. ft. general-purpose building was completely destroyed. Nearby residences were under significant threat from potential fire spread.

Deputies from the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office also responded and discovered that the fire was likely caused by an illegal Butane Hash Oil (BHO) lab. Due to the complexity and danger associated with BHO labs, DINT sought and was granted a search warrant for the property, structures, and residence at the location. Detectives executed the search warrant at approximately 3:30 AM on Sunday, August 4, 2024, uncovering evidence of a suspected illegal marijuana extraction lab and production facility.

BHO labs pose significant risks due to the use of extremely volatile and flammable solvents, such as butane. These clandestine operations are often conducted without proper knowledge or safety equipment, typically in closed buildings lacking adequate ventilation and safety systems. Even a small spark can ignite the vapors, leading to explosions and fires, which can cause extensive property damage, injuries, and fatalities.

It is currently unknown if any injuries occurred in this incident. Two individuals fled the scene before the arrival of first responders. Two others, 38-year-old Christopher Drezek of Glendale and 35-year-old Kendall Jorgensen of Ashland, were contacted at the scene and were uninjured.

Authorities confirmed that there were no permits for marijuana production at the location. The facility lacked OLCC permits for recreational marijuana, ODA permits for hemp production, and any medical marijuana licensing.

Detectives discovered significant evidence of illegal black-market marijuana production, including thousands of pounds of processed marijuana and approximately five pounds of finished BHO product. A substantial amount of processed marijuana was destroyed in the fire.

Further searches revealed evidence of various other controlled substance crimes. Detectives seized notable amounts of suspected fentanyl, psilocybin mushrooms, ketamine, MDMA, DMT, and LSD. These substances are often laced into marijuana products or used together with marijuana products, posing significant risks to unaware consumers.

Additionally, eight firearms were seized from the premises.

Christopher Drezek was arrested and lodged at the Douglas County Jail on charges of:

Arson Incident to Manufacture of Cannabinoid Extract 1st degree
Unlawful Manufacture of Marijuana
Unlawful Delivery of Marijuana
Unlawful Possession of Marijuana

Kendall Jorgensen was arrested and lodged at the Douglas County Jail on charges of:

Arson Incident to Manufacture of Cannabinoid Extract 1st degree
Unlawful Manufacture of Marijuana
Unlawful Delivery of Marijuana
Unlawful Possession of Marijuana
Unlawful Possession of Schedule I Controlled Substance (2 counts)
Unlawful Possession of MDMA
Unlawful Possession of Schedule II Controlled Substance

DINT is actively seeking the whereabouts of the two individuals who fled the scene before law enforcement arrived. The investigation is ongoing, and further arrests are anticipated.