The Medford Area Drug and Gang Enforcement Team (MADGE) is continuing to see the significant impact illicit drugs has on our community.
In recent powder fentanyl and counterfeit pill seizures, MADGE has found the presence of xylazine, a non-opiate veterinary tranquilizer, which has been linked to an increasing number of overdose deaths nationwide. Because xylazine is not an opiate, the widely used overdose medication Narcan cannot be used to reverse its effects.
MADGE has seen a staggering increase in fentanyl seizures in the last 12 months. In 2022, MADGE reported a 3,000% increase in fentanyl seizures. This increase included over 17 pounds of powder fentanyl and 57,000 counterfeit pills containing fentanyl.
As a central nervous system depressant, Xylazine can cause drowsiness, amnesia, slow breathing, and bring heart rate and blood pressure to dangerously low levels. This drug is not approved for use by humans, according to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Because the versions of fentanyl and other drugs being mixed with xylazine are manufactured by criminal organizations in clandestine labs, users have no way of knowing the potency of the drugs they are using or the presence of other harmful substances being used to “cut” or mix with the drugs.
This information is intended to encourage users to seek help as well as deter others from experimenting with these extremely dangerous substances. For more resources about xylazine, visit: https://nida.nih.gov/research-topics/xylazine or see attachment.
On Friday, March 3, at 10:28 p.m. multiple officers responded to reports of shots fired with a possible gunshot victim at 1920 N Pacific Highway (Wendy's). When Officers arrived they confirmed there was not a gunshot victim but did find multiple .45 caliber shell casings on scene.
After speaking to witnesses, Officers determined the suspect, 47-year-old Gershon Orozco, was in an argument with two individuals over money owed while in possession of a handgun and AR-15 rifle. During the argument Orozco fired multiple shots in the air. As the victims began to drive away, Orozco fired several more rounds at their vehicle. The altercation led to the overpass of Table Rock Road where the victims were able to flee on foot. Orozco was contacted by Jackson County Sheriff's Office a short time later in his vehicle and was taken into custody without incident.
An article search was conducted by a JCSO K-9 and evidence was located. At this time the involved pistol has not been recovered.
Orozco has been charged and lodged at the Jackson County Jail with the following:
Thank you to our partners at Jackson County Sheriffs Office and Central Point Police Department for their assistance in responding to and resolving this incident.