The Canby Police Department and Clackamas County Sheriff’s Office were among the law enforcement agencies who assisted federal authorities in an operation targeting 22 members of a criminal organization responsible for trafficking large quantities of methamphetamine, heroin and cocaine in Oregon and Washington state.
Early Wednesday morning, the FBI, Homeland Security Investigations, the Westside Interagency Narcotics Task Force and the Clackamas County Interagency Task Force (which includes Canby PD) conducted a multi-agency law enforcement operation leading to the arrest of 17 defendants.
According to the unsealed indictment, a drug cartel based in Michoacan, Mexico distributed methamphetamine, heroin and cocaine to Victor Alvarez Farfan, 43, of Oregon City, Oregon.
Farfan and his associates manufactured crystal methamphetamine from liquid form and distributed it to other members of the conspiracy for sale in Hillsboro, Gresham, Portland and Hood River, Oregon, and Tacoma, Washington.
Farfan and his associates also distributed heroin and cocaine in the Portland-metro area. John Armas, 41, of Hillsboro, distributed methamphetamine he received from Farfan via a local distribution cell in the Hillsboro area.
“Meth, heroin and cocaine combine to form a deadly cocktail that fuels a cycle of violence and addiction in our community,” said Renn Cannon, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI in Oregon. “The FBI and our partners are targeting the power players in these drug trafficking organizations as we work to reduce the flow of guns, drugs and dirty money into Oregon.”
“This is another clear example of public safety working together to make a difference at every level—city, county, state and federal agencies,” said Craig Roberts, Clackamas County sheriff. “I can attest that countless front line officers have been working around the clock to hold major drug traffickers accountable for their criminal activities. Our united message is: ‘Don’t bring this to Oregon, or we in law enforcement will soon be knocking on your door.’”
The nine-count indictment unsealed today alleges members of the organization conspired to possess with the intent to distribute and distribute methamphetamine, heroin, and cocaine; use a communication facility, including cellular telephones, in the commission of a controlled substances felony; and maintain drug-involved premises to manufacture and distribute controlled substances. Other charges include the interstate distribution of drug proceeds and money laundering.
Named defendants include:
- Victor Alvarez Farfan is charged with conspiracy, two counts of possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine, and conspiracy to commit the laundering of monetary instruments.
- John Armas is charged with conspiracy, possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine, and conspiracy to commit the laundering of monetary instruments.
- Silverio Rubio Valdovinos, 35, of Gresham, is charged with conspiracy.
- Eduardo Alvarez Farfan, 24, of Gresham, is charged with conspiracy, possession with intent to distribute cocaine, and conspiracy to commit the laundering of monetary instruments.
- Roberto Carlos Farfan Alvarez, 23, of Oregon City, is charged with conspiracy and possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine.
- Genaro Fernandez Gonzalez, 26, of Salem, Oregon, is charged with conspiracy.
- Randy Eugene Roberts, 51, of Hillsboro, is charged with conspiracy.
- Kathleen Joan Roberts, 53, of Hillsboro, is charged with conspiracy.
- Socorro Elena Gutierrez, 38, of Hillsboro, is charged with conspiracy.
- Taylor Michael McKemie, 55, of Hillsboro, is charged with conspiracy and conspiracy to commit the laundering of monetary instruments.
- Keith Frederick Teufel, 59, of Hillsboro, is charged with conspiracy and possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine.
- Randall Deal Mauel, 47, of Chehalis, Washington, is charged with conspiracy.
- Rene Diaz Gutierrez, 36, of Vancouver, Washington, is charged with conspiracy and possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine.
- Catherine Arlene Cunningham, 51, of Hood River, is charged with conspiracy.
- Kirstie Alexandria Mirelez, 27, of Portland, is charged with conspiracy.
- Jessica Marie Stinnett, 39, of Astoria, Oregon, is charged with conspiracy and possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine.
- Athena Marie Johnson, 48, of Hillsboro, is charged with conspiracy.
15 of the 22 defendants were arraigned in federal court today. The identities of the five remaining defendants remain under seal. All defendants are expected to make their first appearances within one week.