$20M illegal weed bust leads to arrest in Oregon

SALEM, Ore. (KPTV/Gray News) - Law enforcement officers in Oregon seized more than 110,000 illegal marijuana plants and 81,000 pounds of bulk cannabis valued at an estimated $20 million following a three-day joint operation across Clackamas and Marion counties.

The investigation, prompted by community complaints, targeted a suspected drug trafficking ring tied to multiple unauthorized grows. Detectives with the Clackamas County Sheriff’s Office Interagency Task Force and the Oregon State Police Drug Enforcement Section combined resources after realizing both agencies were investigating the same suspects.

Officers served search warrants at six properties, destroying 110,437 marijuana plants and 81,460 pounds of processed pot. Investigators also seized 86 guns and $11,500 in cash.

Jaimee Virrueta-Gomez, 35, of Gerber, California, was arrested on suspicion of unlawful manufacture and possession of marijuana. Additional charges are pending review by district attorneys in both counties.

At the sites, officers discovered 55 laborers living and working without basic amenities, including running water, plumbing, electricity or adequate shelter. Investigators are looking into whether the workers were brought to the operations through force, fraud or coercion.

Crisis response workers and victim advocates from Safety Compass, the Anti-Trafficking Project and the Cannabis Workers Resilience Partnership responded to provide food, water, emergency shelter and legal support. State and county environmental agencies are also investigating potential environmental crimes tied to water diversion, trash dumping and fertilizer runoff.