Routine Stop Turns Serious
Salem, OR – What began as a routine Friday night traffic stop in Marion County quickly escalated into a significant drug and firearm arrest, according to the Marion County Sheriff’s Office.
Around 9 p.m., a deputy pulled over a vehicle near 100 Lancaster Drive NE in Salem. The driver, later identified as 40-year-old Anthony Cox, immediately disclosed that he was carrying a weapon. Deputies recovered a Ruger Security-9 handgun from his waistband and safely detained him.
Search Warrant Uncovers Meth and Paraphernalia
After detaining Cox, investigators obtained a search warrant to examine the vehicle more thoroughly. Inside, deputies discovered a lockbox containing approximately 100 grams of methamphetamine, along with a digital scale and other drug paraphernalia.
Authorities say the evidence points to more than simple possession, suggesting Cox may have been actively involved in distribution. The seizure represents a substantial amount of meth, with the potential to fuel dozens of illegal sales in the local community.
Charges Filed
Cox was transported to the Marion County Jail, where he faces multiple charges, including:
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Felon in possession of a firearm
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Delivery of a controlled substance – methamphetamine
Both charges carry significant penalties under Oregon law. As a convicted felon, Cox is prohibited from possessing firearms. The delivery charge, tied to the large quantity of meth seized, may lead to enhanced sentencing if he is convicted.
Sheriff’s Office Emphasizes Community Safety
In a statement following the arrest, the Marion County Sheriff’s Office highlighted the importance of proactive enforcement in keeping drugs and weapons off the streets.
“This arrest underscores our continued efforts to remove illegal drugs and firearms from the community,” the statement read. “By addressing both the trafficking of narcotics and the unlawful possession of weapons, we are working to ensure a safer environment for residents throughout Marion County.”
Officials added that narcotics cases often intersect with other crimes, including theft, assault, and property damage, and that removing firearms from unlawful possession helps reduce the risk of violent encounters.
Broader Context: Meth in Oregon
Methamphetamine remains one of the most pressing drug threats in Oregon. Law enforcement agencies across the state have reported steady seizures of meth in both urban and rural communities. While much of the public conversation around drug policy has focused on fentanyl in recent years, meth continues to play a central role in addiction-related arrests, property crime, and overdose deaths.
In Marion County specifically, deputies say meth-related incidents frequently appear in traffic stops, probation checks, and neighborhood complaints. The drug’s accessibility and low cost have made it one of the most common controlled substances encountered in local law enforcement operations.
Looking Ahead
Cox is expected to make his first court appearance in the coming days, where prosecutors will outline the charges and seek to keep him in custody pending trial. If convicted, he could face years in state prison, as well as fines and post-release supervision.
Meanwhile, investigators continue to examine whether Cox had broader connections to drug trafficking networks operating in the Salem area. The case remains under investigation.
Community Role
Law enforcement officials are also encouraging community members to stay vigilant and report suspicious activity. “Our residents are often the first to notice when something is not right,” the sheriff’s office noted. “Tips from the public can help us act quickly and prevent drugs and weapons from harming our neighborhoods.”
As Marion County continues to grapple with the dual challenges of illegal drugs and firearm-related crime, Friday night’s arrest is being viewed as both a warning and a success. It shows the dangers deputies face during what may appear to be routine encounters, and the importance of ongoing efforts to disrupt the cycle of drugs and violence in Oregon.
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