MARION COUNTY, Ore. — Investigators found 17 people at two properties near Hubbard during an early-morning drug enforcement operation Friday, with several identified as potential victims of labor trafficking, authorities said.
The Linn Interagency Narcotics Enforcement (LINE) team, an interagency HIDTA drug task force based in Linn County, worked with the Oregon State Police, Marion County Sheriff’s Office and West Side Interagency Narcotics (WIN) team to serve two search warrants connected to illegal marijuana-growing operations on Aug. 7.
Authorities said several people at the properties reported being forced to work at the sites. They also described poor living conditions and restrictions on their ability to leave.
Many of the individuals told investigators they had come to the properties believing they had been offered legal employment and said they had received unofficial work contracts.
Of the 17 people contacted during the investigation, 16 adults were released without charges.
One adult male suspect was cited in lieu of custody on a cocaine possession charge. Authorities said charges for unlawful manufacture of marijuana will be referred to the Marion County District Attorney’s Office.
Additional referrals will include an unlawful manufacture of marijuana charge against another adult male and conspiracy to unlawfully manufacture marijuana charges against two property owners.
Investigators seized approximately 47,595 marijuana plants, 80 pounds of processed marijuana, a small amount of cocaine and nine firearms from the two properties.
Potential trafficking victims were provided on-site access to assistance from Safety Compass, a nonprofit organization that provides services to people affected by human trafficking. Services offered included hygiene kits, emergency food, interpreters, confidential advocacy, shelter referrals, legal assistance, victim services and culturally specific resources.
“Oregon State Police is committed to ensuring the safety and well-being of potential victims,” Superintendent Casey Codding said. “It is deplorable for anyone to be forced to work against their will. Labor trafficking is often intertwined with other forms of illegal activity.”
Codding said troopers who encounter signs of labor trafficking work with qualified partners to voluntarily connect individuals with advocacy, services and other available resources.
OSP is also coordinating with the Oregon Department of Human Services and victim-service organizations to assist with voluntary connections to services and resources.
Authorities said the operation was conducted in accordance with Oregon’s Sanctuary Promise laws, which prohibit law enforcement agencies from participating in federal immigration enforcement efforts.
The investigation remains active. Authorities said no additional details are available for release at this time.
People seeking confidential help with human trafficking can contact the National Human Trafficking Hotline at 1-888-373-7888 or text “INFO” to 233733. Safety Compass also operates a 24-hour confidential hotline in northwest Oregon at 971-235-0021.
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