BEND, Ore. – A Bend man was arrested on Wednesday after authorities with the Central Oregon Drug Enforcement Team (CODE) and the Bend Police Department discovered methamphetamine in his vehicle.

The arrest took place around 5:00 PM after CODE agents and Bend police officers conducted a surveillance operation in an area known for recent drug activity. According to a press release from the Central Oregon Drug Enforcement Team, a blue 2005 GMC Yukon, driven by 49-year-old William Butler, was observed moving slowly through the area multiple times. Officers noted suspicious behavior before deciding to make a traffic stop.

A Bend Police officer initiated the stop after observing several traffic violations in the area of SE 3rd Street and SE Roosevelt Avenue. During the stop, a Drug Detection K9, Bonnie, alerted officers to the presence of drugs inside the vehicle. When Butler exited the vehicle, a glass pipe containing methamphetamine fell from his lap onto the ground, landing in some snow.

Following the discovery, agents obtained a search warrant for the vehicle. A thorough search revealed a metal container containing additional methamphetamine, which was located in the vehicle’s center console.

At the time of his arrest, Butler was found to be on pretrial release for multiple open cases. He was arrested and transported to the Deschutes County Adult Jail, where he was lodged pending further proceedings.

The investigation was supported by the Bend Police Department. CODE Detectives continue to work on drug-related cases in the region as part of ongoing efforts to combat illegal drug activity.

This incident serves as a reminder of the ongoing issues with drug use and trafficking in Central Oregon, as local authorities continue to monitor and respond to reports of illegal activities.