BEND, Ore. — A Bend man is facing multiple potential drug charges after authorities say he was caught selling large quantities of cocaine in the area, following a month-long investigation by the Central Oregon Drug Enforcement (CODE) Team.
The 32-year-old suspect was taken into custody on May 23 on suspicion of unlawful possession, delivery, and manufacture of cocaine, according to Bend Police Lt. Mike Landolt. As of Thursday, court records showed that formal charges had not yet been filed.
The arrest came after CODE detectives conducted weeks of surveillance on the suspect, during which they observed what appeared to be several drug-related transactions. Investigators said they stopped an individual who had recently met with the suspect and discovered cocaine in their possession. That discovery led officers to stop the suspect shortly afterward.
A search warrant was issued for the suspect’s vehicle, where detectives reportedly found additional cocaine and a handgun, Landolt said.
The investigation then led officers to a residence in the 100 block of NE Penn Avenue. There, detectives served another search warrant and allegedly recovered over two pounds of cocaine packaged for sale, along with digital scales and other drug paraphernalia.
Authorities believe the suspect had been actively distributing cocaine throughout the Bend area, based on multiple meetings observed during surveillance.
The suspect was booked into the Deschutes County Jail but was not listed in the jail register as of Thursday.
The investigation is ongoing.
