18 arrested in Northeast Portland mission to combat open drug use

PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) — Eighteen people were arrested Wednesday as the result of a Portland police mission to combat open drug use in the Hazelwood neighborhood.

Police said they worked with Multnomah County Sheriff's Office Transit Police to target suppliers in two areas on East Burnside and another at the Gateway Transit Center.

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In a statement, PPB said they "received many concerns from the community about open air drug use in those areas and have seen drug suppliers targeting people suffering from addiction."

Of those arrested, officials say most of the suspects have outstanding warrants.

Further, they were found with a combined 1.4 kilos of fentanyl, 1000 blue fentanyl pills and 33 grams of heroin.

PPB said they intend to continue missions in these areas in the future.