Two Separate Medford Area Drug Operations Net Major Quantities of Fentanyl and Meth

Medford, Oregon- The Medford Area Drug and Gang Enforcement team (MADGE) made significant strides in ongoing drug investigations, resulting in substantial seizures of controlled substances in two separate incidents. These operations highlight the ongoing efforts to combat drug trafficking in the region.

On August 6, 2024, MADGE conducted a traffic stop on a vehicle traveling northbound on Interstate 5 in the Medford area. The stop was part of an ongoing investigation. During the stop, investigators developed probable cause to seize the vehicle and subsequently obtained a search warrant. The search resulted in the recovery of 32 pounds of methamphetamine and nearly 4.5 pounds of fentanyl. The investigation related to this incident remains ongoing.

Two days later, on August 8, 2024, MADGE was involved in another investigation in Southeast Medford. Investigators contacted two individuals in a business parking lot as part of a separate ongoing investigation. During this contact, a Medford Police K9 unit alerted on the vehicle, leading to its seizure. A subsequent search uncovered 17 pounds of methamphetamine. As a result, 48-year-old Pasqual Padilla was arrested and lodged at the Jackson County Jail on charges related to the distribution of a controlled substance.

These operations demonstrate the critical work being done by MADGE to protect communities from the dangers of drug trafficking. The task force, which operates as a multi-jurisdictional narcotics unit, focuses on identifying, disrupting, and dismantling drug trafficking organizations at the local, multi-state, and international levels. MADGE’s efforts are intelligence-driven and supported by a multi-agency approach that includes collaboration with the Oregon-Idaho High-Intensity Drug Trafficking Area (HIDTA) program.

The Oregon-Idaho HIDTA program is sponsored by the Office of National Drug Control Policy (ONDCP) and provides funding and coordination for multi-agency drug enforcement initiatives, including MADGE. The HIDTA program involves key agencies such as the Medford Police Department, Jackson County Sheriff’s Office, the District Attorney’s Office, Parole and Probation, Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), and the FBI.

As investigations continue, MADGE says they remain committed to its mission of reducing drug-related threats to the community.