Salem Police Department
Emergency Messages as of 1:56 am, Fri. Mar. 29
No information currently posted.
Subscribe to receive FlashAlert messages from Salem Police Department.
Primary email address for a new account:

  


Manage my existing Subscription

News Release
Safe Streets Task Force detectives make arrest in Salem drug investigation - 07/01/22

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

DATE: July 1, 2022

Salem, Ore. — Detectives from the Salem Police Department Strategic Investigations Unit (SIU) have brought charges against Phillip Thomas of Salem. 

Thomas was arrested, today, July 1, 2022, as part of an extensive drug investigation involving the distribution of polydrug tablets and other drugs.

The 30-year-old was found in possession of the following:

  • 3,000 polydrug tablets, more commonly known as M30 pills containing fentanyl 
  • Eight ounces of methamphetamine
  • Three ounces of heroin
  • A Glock 23 firearm with an extended magazine with ammunition loaded
  • A .25 caliber automatic handgun
  • Approximately $164,000 in cash

Thomas, who is currently lodged at the Marion County Jail on outstanding warrants in other unrelated cases, was arrested on the following charges:

  • Possession and delivery of a controlled substance
  • Possession of heroin
  • Attempted delivery of heroin
  • Possession of methamphetamine
  • Attempted delivery of methamphetamine
  • Possession of restricted weapon by a felon, three counts

Arraignment proceedings for Thomas will occur Tuesday, July 5, and as such, all case inquiries should be directed to the Marion County District Attorney’s Office.

The investigation which led to Thomas’ arrest was the result of the Salem Police specialty unit’s involvement in the Safe Streets Task Force, a partnership with the Federal Bureau of Investigation and other governmental agencies. The task force brings increased focus and federal resources to address narcotics trafficking and violent crime in Salem.

Since the first of the year, Safe Streets Task Force investigations have led to the seizure of nearly 20,000 fentanyl-laced tablets and more than 100 firearms in our community.

# # #

View more news releases from Salem Police Department.