Four OSP I-5 traffic stops in 2 weeks find ‘significant’ drugs; 7 arrested, infant placed in DHS protective custody

SALEM, Ore. (KTVZ) -- Four Oregon State Police traffic stops along Interstate 5 have yielded significant drug seizures in just over two weeks and resulted in seven arrests, troopers said Thursday. In the most recent incident, an arrested couple's 6-month-old infant was placed in protective state custody.

OSP troopers seized fentanyl, methamphetamine, PCP, and other illegal drugs bound for Oregon streets. The targeted operations are a collaboration among OSP patrol, K-9, HIDTA Investigation Team (HIT), and Criminal Apprehension through Patrol Enforcement (CAPE) programs. 

OSP Capt. Kyle Kennedy said, “Oregon State Police is diligently working to stop the flow of illegal drugs to our communities. Fentanyl continues to have devasting effects on Oregon’s communities, and we hope the constant pressure will deter and prevent the transportation of illegal drugs to and through our state.” 

Linn County
On Wednesday, May 8, at 9:50 a.m., an OSP K-9 trooper stopped a vehicle on I-5 in Linn County for a traffic violation. During contact with the driver, the trooper suspected possible criminal activity. A K-9 was deployed around the outside of the vehicle and alerted to the presence of illegal substances. 

During a search of the vehicle, the trooper located 10,000 pills suspected to be laced with fentanyl in the vehicle’s trunk. 

OSP detectives interviewed the vehicle occupants. The investigation is ongoing, and no further information is available for release at this time. 

Marion County
On Tuesday, May 14, at 1:13 p.m., an OSP trooper from the Salem Patrol Office stopped a vehicle for a traffic violation on I-5 near milepost 256 in Marion County. During the stop, the trooper observed contraband in the vehicle and suspicious behavior by the vehicle occupants. 

During a consent search of the vehicle, the trooper located 4.6 pounds of fentanyl, 1 pound of phenylcyclohexyl piperidine (PCP), 84 grams of suspected methamphetamine, and 14.2 grams of cocaine. 

The driver, Edgar Izaguirre Torres (33), whose city of residence is unknown, and the passenger, Marvin Fabian Oseguera Escoto (19) or Auburn (WA), were arrested for distribution of a controlled substance. Once the investigation is complete, additional charges will be referred to the prosecuting agency. 

Oseguera Escoto was additionally arrested on a California warrant for distribution of a controlled substance. 

The investigation is ongoing, and no further information is available for release at this time.

Douglas County
On Tuesday, May 21, at 8:40 a.m., an OSP K-9 trooper stopped a vehicle for a traffic violation on I-5 northbound at milepost 148. The trooper contacted the vehicle occupants and noticed signs of criminal activity. The driver and passenger fled from the vehicle on foot. The trooper caught and detained both suspects a short distance from the vehicle. 

The K-9 was deployed around the outside of the vehicle and alerted to the presence of illegal substances. A search warrant was granted, and 42,000 suspected fentanyl-laced pills and approximately eight pounds of fentanyl powder were found inside the vehicle. 

The driver, Lauro Parra Moreno (25) of Pittsburgh (CA), was arrested for misdemeanor elude, criminal trespass II, Possession of a controlled substance II, and Delivery of a controlled substance I. The passenger, Jesus Acosta Parra (20), of Pittsburgh (CA), was arrested for criminal trespass II, delivery of a controlled substance II, and possession of a controlled substance II. 

The investigation is ongoing, and no further information is available for release at this time.

Linn County
On Thursday, May 23, at approximately 11 a.m., an Oregon State Police K-9 trooper stopped a vehicle for a traffic violation on I-5 near milepost 225 in Linn County. The vehicle was occupied by an adult couple and their 6-month-old infant. 

During a consent search of the vehicle, the trooper located 136 grams (about one-third of a pound) of fentanyl powder and mannitol, which is a common cutting agent for fentanyl. The fentanyl was located in the trunk of the vehicle near the baby’s formula and clothing. 

The driver, a 30-year-old resident of Oakland, Calif., was arrested for possession and delivery of a controlled substance and endangering the welfare of a minor. The passenger, also 30 and from Oakland, was arrested for possession and delivery of a controlled substance and endangering the welfare of a minor. 

The infant was placed in protective custody by the Oregon Department of Human Services. 

The investigation is ongoing, and no further information is available for release at this time.