Couple arrested in Medford with 11K fentanyl pills in vehicle

PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) — A year-long investigation has resulted in the arrest of a couple who were found with about 11,000 fentanyl pills in their driver’s seat.

The Clark County Sheriff’s Office reported that 57-year-old Martin Rangel, also known as Marco Miranda-Medina, and 24-year-old Tatum Littau were arrested in Medford on Tuesday.

The Major Crimes Unit first contacted Rangel to investigate a drive-by shooting at Vancouver’s Sunnyside Motel in October 2023. Detectives said they found evidence of drug trafficking on the scene, which prompted Clark County Superior Court to issue a search warrant.

Investigators found methamphetamine, fentanyl, cash and a firearm inside Rangel’s motel room, according to CCSO. He was booked in Clark County Jail for possession of a controlled substance with intent to deliver and unlawful possession of a firearm, but was later released when he posted bail.

Law enforcement reported that deputies received another tip accusing Rangel of planning to distribute a large quantity of fentanyl in July 2024. The Special Investigations Unit learned the suspect often travels to California to acquire large amounts of the drug to distribute in Clark County, officials said.

SIU arrested Rangel during his return from California on Aug. 25, for felony warrants related to the 2023 investigation. But he was soon released after being extradited to Clark County authorities.

Detectives learned that he and his girlfriend, who “had several Clark County felony warrants for her arrest,” traveled to California again on Sept. 17.

The Medford Area Drug and Gang Enforcement Task Force and Medford Police Department intercepted the couple in Jefferson County on that same day. Rangel and Lattau will be charged with possession of a controlled substance with intent to distribute.