Two Culver residents, 45‑year‑old José Miguel Gomez and 41‑year‑old Kristen Marie, were arrested Wednesday afternoon after a multi‑agency drug investigation resulted in the seizure of a commercial quantity of methamphetamine.
Coordinated law‑enforcement effort
The operation was led by the Central Oregon Drug Enforcement team in partnership with the federal Drug Enforcement Administration, Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office, Oregon State Police and local police. Investigators had been tracking drug sales linked to the suspects’ home at the 600 block of East D Street in Culver for several months.
At approximately 4 p.m., a Jefferson County sheriff’s deputy stopped a black 2021 Chevrolet SUV near the intersection of Southwest Third and E streets in Madras. Oregon State Police assisted with the traffic stop. Marie was driving the vehicle while Gomez sat in the rear seat. Both were detained at the scene while officers executed search warrants for the vehicle and the couple’s residence.
Search of Culver home yields large drug haul
Officers returned to the East D Street home at about 4:20 p.m. and conducted a thorough search. Investigators recovered scales, packaging materials, drug‑record ledgers and additional evidence of drug distribution, along with a substantial amount of methamphetamine.
Following the search, Gomez and Marie were taken to the Jefferson County Jail and booked on charges of unlawful possession and unlawful delivery of methamphetamine.
Task force collaboration
The Central Oregon Drug Enforcement team operates as a multi‑jurisdictional narcotics task force supported by the Oregon‑Idaho High‑Intensity Drug Trafficking Area program. The team collaborates with federal, state and local agencies to combat drug trafficking across the region.
Authorities emphasized that the seizure represents a significant disruption to a local drug‑distribution network and underscores the ongoing commitment of law‑enforcement partners to protect the safety of Oregon communities.
Community impact
Culver officials praised the swift action, noting that the removal of large‑scale meth supplies helps safeguard families and neighborhoods from the harmful effects of illegal drugs. Residents are encouraged to report suspicious activity to law‑enforcement and to support community‑based prevention programs.
The investigation remains active, and authorities continue to pursue any additional individuals involved in the trafficking operation.
Original reporting: KTVZ (Central Oregon) — read the source article.
