Deputies bust 'upper level' meth ring

This is a press release courtesy of the Washington County Sheriff's Department

On Monday, June 15, 2009, at around noon, the Westside Interagency Narcotics team (WIN) served a search warrant at a Hillsboro residence in the 1800 block of SE Hanover Street.

This was part of an ongoing investigation the WIN team was conducting into a group distributing methamphetamine throughout the Washington County area. 

The search warrant yielded methamphetamine, firearms and cash. Investigators developed further information that led them to a rural farm house in the community of Laurel in Washington County. 

Several vehicles were stopped after leaving the residence and additional methamphetamine, firearms and cash were seized. 

The investigation dismantled an upper level Drug Trafficking Organization (DTO) that was distributing methamphetamines throughout the area while armed.

Under previous Oregon controlled substance laws, suspects would have received much lighter sentences or even probation for methamphetamine related crimes. 

Measure 57 provides enhanced penalties in distribution cases. If convicted, the suspects could face sentences ranging from 60 to 130 months in prison.

Total evidence seized included:

1.4 pounds of Methamphetamine with a street value of about $30,000.

Nine firearms, including one that was reported stolen, were recovered.

Over $11,000 in cash was seized.

WIN detectives arrested five suspects and charged them with the listed crimes: 

Alejandro Mendoza-Sanchez, 2, Possession/Manufacture/Distribution of a Controlled Substance-Methamphetamine.
 
Freddie Villanueva, 48, Distribution of a Controlled Substance Oxycontin, Manufacture of a Controlled Substance-Marijuana within 1000 feet of a school (Hillsboro High School).

Jessica Young, 29, Possession of a Controlled Substance-Oxycontin / Unrelated Warrants.

 Antonio Sanchez-Zamudio, 43, Conspiracy to Commit Distribution of a Controlled Substance-Methamphetamine / Carrying a Concealed Weapon.

Rosando Zamudio-Nunez, 38, Conspiracy to Commit Distribution of a Controlled Substance-Methamphetamine / Theft 1
 
All of the subjects were lodged into the Washington County Jail.