Madras man accused of major meth trafficking

A 40-year-old Madras man, suspected of trafficking large amounts of methamphetamine throughout Central Oregon, was arrested at a Crooked River Ranch home, just before drug agents raided his Madras mobile home, officers said Thursday.

Central Oregon Drug Enforcement Team detectives contacted Gonzalo Avila Jr., 40, in the driveway of the CRR home around 12:45 p.m. Wednesday, said CODE Team Lt. Ken Mannix.

Avila, who was under surveillance, had been the subject of a lengthy investigation, Mannix said, and was identified by police as being involved in trafficking large quantities of meth throughout the region.

Avila was in possession of about an ounce of meth when he was taken into custody, the lieutenant added. He was lodged at the Jefferson County Jail on drug charges.

Based on information gathered in the investigation, and during Avila’s arrest, detectives applied for and received a search warrant for Avila’s mobile home at 808 NE Meadowlark Lane in Madras.

Around 1:15 p.m., CODE Team detectives, assisted by Jefferson County sheriff’s deputies and Warm Springs tribal police, raided the home, where Mannix said they seized more evidence of meth sales and manufacturing.