PPB arrests 17, issues 36 citations for drugs during latest Central Library sweep

PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) — The Portland Police Bureau Central Precinct Bike Squad and Oregon State Police arrested 17 people and issued 36-drug related citations during a nighttime sweep of the neighborhood surrounding the Multnomah County Central Library on April 2.

PPB spokesperson Mike Benner told KOIN 6 News that the arrests were part of an ongoing effort to clean up Downtown near the Central Library, backed by the Multnomah County Board of Commissioners. On March 29, nine people were arrested during an undercover sting operation also performed around the Central Library.

“We did a mission last night and we’ll continue to do them as time and resources allow,” Benner said.

During Tuesday’s mission, 11 suspects were arrested for warrants, four were arrested for trespassing, one was arrested for drug possession, and one was arrested for the distribution of a controlled substance. One person was also treated with Naloxone for a drug overdose that occurred on the sidewalk in front of the library.

Police also issued 22 citations for fentanyl, 13 for meth and 1 for oxycodone. More than 152 grams of fentanyl and $305 in cash were seized during the mission. All of the fentanyl seized during the mission came from a single drug bust that happened on the sidewalk directly across the street from the Central Library.