PORTLAND, Ore. — Three Honduran nationals living illegally in Oregon appeared in federal court on August 25, following their arrests earlier this month on charges of fentanyl trafficking in downtown Portland.
The arrests came during a targeted law enforcement mission carried out on National Fentanyl Prevention and Awareness Day (August 21), underscoring the city’s ongoing struggle with the synthetic opioid crisis.
Defendants Identified
The three defendants have been named as:
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Antoni Yahir Pavon-Rosales, 18
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Cristian Ravolales, 27
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Kevin Concepcion Ramos-Espinoza, 34
Each has been charged with possession with intent to distribute fentanyl, a serious federal offense.
Details of the Arrests
According to court filings, investigators from multiple agencies — including the FBI, Portland Police Bureau’s Central Neighborhood Response Team, Bike Squad, Narcotics and Organized Crime Unit, the Clackamas County Interagency Task Force, and the U.S. Attorney’s Office — coordinated the enforcement mission.
The investigation unfolded over the course of the evening on August 21:
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Pavon-Rosales was observed attempting to sell fentanyl and was taken into custody. Officers seized 22.5 grams of fentanyl and $795 in cash from him.
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Ravolales was also observed engaging in suspected drug transactions. His arrest led to the seizure of 45.9 grams of fentanyl and $579 in cash.
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Ramos-Espinoza was seen conducting multiple drug deals before being apprehended. Officers seized 14.7 grams of fentanyl and $2,461 in cash.
Officials noted that Ramos-Espinoza already has two pending drug delivery cases in Multnomah County Circuit Court, highlighting a pattern of alleged repeat offenses.
Court Proceedings
On August 25, the three men made their first appearances before a U.S. Magistrate Judge in federal court. The judge ordered that all three remain in custody until further proceedings.
Their arraignments are scheduled for September 24, 2025. At that time, they are expected to enter pleas to the charges.
If convicted, each faces significant prison time under federal sentencing guidelines.
Broader Context
The arrests came on a day designated to raise awareness about fentanyl, a powerful synthetic opioid that has fueled a surge in overdoses across Oregon and the country. Officials say the timing of the enforcement action was intentional, meant to spotlight the dangers the drug poses to communities.
Law enforcement leaders emphasized the importance of multi-agency cooperation in combating the fentanyl crisis. The operation highlighted how federal, state, and local resources are being combined to tackle what has become a deadly epidemic.
Immigration Status Questions
Authorities confirmed that all three men are in the U.S. illegally, though it remains unclear what additional consequences they may face related to their immigration status. Federal prosecutors have not yet indicated whether immigration authorities will pursue separate proceedings in connection with the drug charges.
Looking Ahead
As the case moves toward arraignment in September, federal officials are expected to continue monitoring and targeting fentanyl distribution in Portland. The arrests of Pavon-Rosales, Ravolales, and Ramos-Espinoza mark the latest effort to dismantle drug trafficking networks operating in the city’s downtown area.
For now, all three defendants remain behind bars as the legal process unfolds, with the city’s fentanyl crisis continuing to demand urgent attention from both law enforcement and community leaders.
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