Multnomah County on track to pass 2023's record-high drug seizures
PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) – So far in 2024, Multnomah County is on track to surpass 2023's record-high drug seizures, the Multnomah County Sheriff's Office announced Friday.
The announcement comes after the end of a 90-day fentanyl emergency initiative on April 29 led by Gov. Tina Kotek, Multnomah County Chair Jessica Vega Pederson, and Portland Mayor Ted Wheeler to address the fentanyl crisis in Portland's central city.
The Multnomah County Sheriff's Office said deputies and detectives continue to see a steady flow of fentanyl in the county and state.
In the first four months of 2024, the sheriff’s office has seized over 27 pounds of fentanyl powder, making up 89% of total seizures, along with 26,248 fentanyl pills. MCSO also seized over four pounds of cocaine (6% of total seizures), over three pounds of meth (3% of total seizures) and .75 pounds of heroin (2% of total seizures.)
“The sheer volume of drugs [MCSO's Dangerous Drugs Team] is removing from our community is astounding and highlights how widespread the crisis is,” Sheriff Nicole Morrisey O’Donnell said in a statement. “I appreciate DDT’s tenacity in facing this emergency head on.”
In 2023, the sheriff’s office had a record year of drug seizures with 92 pounds of fentanyl taken off the streets compared to four pounds in 2022.
The sheriff’s office noted DDT has seized 59 guns during their investigations, including “ghost guns,” or guns without a serial number, stolen guns, and guns used in other crimes.
With fentanyl making up a majority of seized drugs, the sheriff's office warns that seven out of every 10 pills seized by the United States Drug Enforcement Agency contain a lethal dose of fentanyl.
According to the DEA, it takes two milligrams of fentanyl, about the weight of a few grains of salt, to cause a fatal overdose.
Leaders held a press conference on Friday reflecting on the 90-day fentanyl emergency, which saw the suspension of two bottle drop sites -- that law enforcement officials said were hotspots for the fentanyl market -- increased bike patrols, and distribution of the overdose reversal medication naloxone.
“Just over three months ago, the Mayor, Chair and I shared that the uniqueness of the fentanyl
crisis required us to respond with the highest possible level of coordination. The 90-day tri-government fentanyl emergency achieved that and much more,” Gov. Kotek said.
“There is certainly more work to do, and the state will continue to be a key partner.”
Officials said next steps to address the crisis include developing a sobering center, creating more recovery housing for those facing addiction, and building a peer overdose team, including people with lived experience and harm reduction service providers.