200 Pounds of Methamphetamine Seized During I-5 Traffic Stop in Salem

SALEM, Ore. — Multnomah County Sheriff’s Office (MCSO) detectives seized approximately 200 pounds of methamphetamine during a traffic stop on Interstate 5 in Salem on October 15, 2026, leading to the arrest of two people on federal drug charges.

The MCSO Dangerous Drugs Team conducted the stop with assistance from the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Linn Interagency Narcotics Enforcement Team and Oregon State Police.

During the stop, an MCSO drug-detection dog alerted deputies to the possible presence of narcotics inside the vehicle. A subsequent search uncovered approximately 200 pounds of methamphetamine and $1,521 in cash.

Two individuals were taken into custody on federal charges of possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine. One of the individuals also had an outstanding warrant related to the delivery of a controlled substance involving heroin.

Both individuals were transported to the Multnomah County Detention Center.

“Removing this significant quantity of methamphetamine from circulation is an important step in protecting our communities,” said Sgt. Chad Phifer of the MCSO Special Investigations Unit. “Operations like this demonstrate the value of working together across jurisdictions to disrupt drug trafficking and hold those responsible accountable.”

Multnomah County participates in the Oregon-Idaho High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area (HIDTA), a federal program that supports coordinated drug-control efforts among law enforcement agencies across 16 counties.

The program aims to reduce illegal drug trafficking and drug use through collaboration among federal, state and local law enforcement agencies.

Authorities did not release the identities of the two individuals arrested.