SALEM, Ore. — A Gresham man was arrested late Monday night after detectives seized nearly 30 pounds of methamphetamine during a narcotics investigation in Salem, authorities said.
According to investigators, members of the Strategic Investigations Unit arrested 39-year-old Luis Montes-Jimenez on April 6, 2026, at approximately 11:43 p.m. along Mission Street SE. Montes-Jimenez was contacted while driving a vehicle as part of an ongoing drug investigation.
Detectives obtained a search warrant for the vehicle and, during the search, discovered approximately 10 pounds of methamphetamine concealed inside.
The investigation continued into the following day. On April 7, detectives developed additional information that led them to a motel room near Interstate 5 that had been rented by Montes-Jimenez. A search of the room resulted in the seizure of an additional 17 pounds of methamphetamine connected to the case.
In total, authorities recovered roughly 27 pounds of the drug.
Montes-Jimenez was booked into the Marion County Jail on charges of unlawful delivery and possession of methamphetamine.
Officials say the investigation remains ongoing, and any further inquiries will be handled by the Marion County District Attorney’s Office.
Authorities also highlighted broader enforcement efforts, noting that in 2025 and into 2026, the Strategic Investigations Unit—working in partnership with federal agencies including the ATF, FBI, and DEA through a Safe Streets Task Force—has seized nearly 150 pounds of methamphetamine, along with several pounds of other illicit drugs, including 18 pounds of fentanyl in both powder and pill form.
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