Madras, Ore. – A traffic stop on U.S. Highway 26 near Madras led to a drug-detection K-9’s alert, a search and the arrest of two men from Redmond and Prineville on drug charges, authorities said.
The arrests wrapped up the Central Oregon Drug Enforcement Team’s short-term investigation into the sale of methamphetamine and fentanyl in Deschutes and Crook counties, Lt. Mike Landolt said.
A Prineville police detective began the investigation after learning of drug distribution in Prineville, Landolt said. Katen Von Blalack, 39, of Redmond, was identified as a suspect.
Around 12:30 a.m. on Saturday, Jefferson County sheriff’s deputies pulled over a gray Nissan Versa on Highway 26 and NW Cherry Lane for what Landolt said were “multiple traffic violations.”
Blalack was a passenger in the car, driven by Luke Benton Estes, 36, of Prineville.
During the stop, JCSO drug-detection K09 Keira alerted to the odor of drugs in the car, Landolt said. A Prineville police detective wrote a search warrant for the vehicle and its occupants.
Landolt said the search turned up a commercial amount of fentanyl in the glove box and trunk, individually packaged in baggies. Officers also found user amounts of fentanyl on the two men, as well as cash, a scale and drug paraphernalia.
Blalack initially was charged with fentanyl delivery and Estes with fentanyl possession.
Court records show Blalack, who has a lengthy criminal record, pleaded not guilty Wednesday to felony charges of fentanyl delivery and possession. He was released after posting 10% of his $100,000 bail. A pre-trial conference is set for March 11.
Estes, who in 2020 pleaded guilty to heroin delivery, DUII and unlawful possession of a firearm, was cited for driving uninsured and with a suspended or revoked license. He is due in court March 18.
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Barney Lerten
Barney Lerten has worked at KTVZ News for over 20 years, bringing a wealth of journalism experience and a deep commitment to keeping Central Oregonians informed and up to date, however they get their news.
