State police seize over 4 lbs of Portland-bound fentanyl as suspect escapes

PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) — Oregon State Police said they seized over four pounds of fentanyl headed to Portland during a traffic stop in Lane County last week.

The suspect fled on foot during the stop, crossed lanes of freeway traffic, and escaped into the woods, authorities said.

On Sept. 10 at 9:30 a.m., the traffic stop was conducted on Interstate 5 near milepost 181. The trooper reportedly "recognized signs of possible drug activity" during the stop, OSP said. A drug detection K-9 later alerted law enforcement of the possible presence of illegal drugs after searching the outside of the car.

"Once the K-9 alerted to the potential presence of illegal drugs, the driver fled on foot across all lanes of I-5 into a wooded area," OSP said in a release. "A subsequent search of the vehicle led to the discovery of two kilograms of powdered fentanyl in the trunk."

Authorities said a search for the suspect by law enforcement lasted "several hours" but to no avail. Officials said they think the suspect got a ride out of the area.

"Before fleeing, the driver presented a fraudulent Mexican consular card bearing the name Luis Angel Garcia Gonzalez (28) from Oakland, California," OSP said. "It is unknown if this is the suspect’s true name."

The seized fentanyl was handed over to the Drug Enforcement Administration due to the high quantity. The DEA assisted OSP's investigation and said the fentanyl was "destined for the Portland metro area."