Federal Operation in Portland Leads to 97 Firearm Seizures, 17 Arrests

PORTLAND, Ore. — A five-week federal law enforcement operation targeting firearms and narcotics trafficking in the Portland metropolitan area resulted in the seizure of 97 firearms, significant quantities of illegal drugs and 17 arrests, federal prosecutors announced.

The operation was conducted from August through September 2026 by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Oregon and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), in coordination with the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) and numerous federal, state and local law enforcement agencies.

Investigators used data to identify high-risk locations and conducted targeted enforcement and investigative work aimed at disrupting firearms and drug trafficking.

Authorities seized 97 firearms and confiscated illicit drugs, including methamphetamine, cocaine, crack cocaine and fentanyl.

Seventeen individuals have been arrested in connection with the operation to date. They were identified as:

• Steven Hatcher
• Aaron Stauffera
• Manuel Bernal
• Jay Williams Gimbal Reynolds
• Oscar Yanez
• Anthony Connelly
• Jeanni Crane
• Francisco Claudillo-Dimas
• Kenneth Hamilton
• Makayla Williams
• Gus Wayne
• Ryan Grant
• Carlos Ruiz-Perez
• Melanee Bybee
• Michael Hoeft
• Kristy Roberts
• Thomas Dingus

The U.S. Attorney’s Office did not provide additional details about the individual cases or specify which charges each person faces in its announcement.

U.S. Attorney Scott Bradford said the operation demonstrated the impact of cooperation among law enforcement agencies in addressing illegal firearms and drug distribution.

“Every gun seized is a life saved. Every gram seized is a life saved. This operation sends a clear message: if you traffic illegal guns or deadly narcotics in our communities, you will be held accountable,” Bradford said.

Bradford added that federal and local partnerships helped remove dangerous firearms and drugs from Portland-area streets and disrupt criminal activity that threatens public safety.

Jonathan Blais, special agent in charge of the ATF Seattle Field Division, said removing trafficked firearms and illegal drugs from the community was an important step toward reducing violent crime.

Blais thanked the participating law enforcement agencies and prosecutors, emphasizing the ATF’s commitment to improving public safety and disrupting firearms and drug trafficking.

Robert A. Saccone, special agent in charge of the DEA Seattle Field Division, said drug trafficking and violence put individuals and entire communities at risk.

Saccone said the operation demonstrated the results that can be achieved when law enforcement agencies work together to remove dangerous drugs, firearms and violent offenders from the streets. He also highlighted the DEA’s Fentanyl Free America initiative, which focuses on disrupting the fentanyl supply chain and reducing the drug’s availability.

Multiple Agencies Participated

The operation involved a broad coalition of federal, state and local agencies, including:

• U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Oregon
• Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives
• Drug Enforcement Administration
• High Intensity Drug Trafficking Areas Program
• Federal Bureau of Investigation
• U.S. Department of Homeland Security
• U.S. Marshals Service
• Gresham Police Department
• Portland Police Bureau
• Port of Portland Police Department
• Salem Police Department
• Multnomah County District Attorney’s Office
• Multnomah County Sheriff’s Office
• Multnomah County Parole and Probation Department
• Washington County Sheriff’s Office Community Violence Reduction Team
• Hillsboro Police Department’s Westside Interagency Narcotics Taskforce
• Scappoose Police Department

Federal officials said the operation was part of broader efforts to reduce violent crime and disrupt the illegal distribution of firearms and dangerous narcotics throughout the Portland metropolitan area.

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