Date and Time of Incident: 11/16/2017 / 10:38 pm
Type of Incident: Drug Arrests / Search Warrants
Location of Incident: 6333 SW Buckskin Lane, Crooked River Ranch, Oregon

Suspect Information:

Justin Paul Hamilton 41 years of age Crooked River Ranch Resident
Brandon Matthew Darrow 30 years of age Redmond Resident

Narrative:

On November of 2017, the Central Oregon Drug Enforcement (CODE) team began an investigation into the distribution of heroin and methamphetamine. On November 15th at 10:38 pm the CODE team executed a search warrant at 6333 SW Buckskin Lane in Crooked River Ranch, Oregon. This search warrant was obtained as a result of multiple investigative efforts.

The address of 6333 SW Buckskin Lane has two residences occupied by independent individuals. This search warrant gave authorization for a specific structure occupied by Justin Paul Hamilton.

Justin Paul Hamilton was encountered inside of the target residence and was detained without incident. Investigators found a small amount of methamphetamine and heroin, digital scales, and currency. Additionally, they seized a handgun. Hamilton is a convicted felon and is not legally allowed to possess firearms.

Brandon Matthew Darrow arrived at the residence during the execution. He was ultimately placed under arrest for frequenting a place where controlled substances were being used. Investigators also found a user amount of heroin on his person.

As the search warrant continued, investigators learned the neighboring residence at the same address had a Butane Hash Oil (BHO) lab along with a significant unlawful amount of marijuana. A search warrant was obtained and executed at this second residence at about 2:35 am on November 16th, 2017.

During this second search warrant, investigators encountered a single female hiding in the residence. She was identified as Kailey Berg. Investigators found components and equipment for the manufacture of a Butane Hash Oil lab. In addition, investigators seized approximately 105 pounds of marijuana.

Both Hamilton and Darrow were transported to the Jefferson County Jail on the charges listed below. Darrow was ultimately cited and released from the jail. No action was taken against Berg on this night. Her criminal involvement will be referred to the District Attorney's Office for consideration.

This investigation, specifically involving the BHO lab, is ongoing. The suspect(s) responsible for the lab have been identified and it is anticipated charges will be forthcoming. At this time, no further details are being offered.

"Hash oil," also known as "honey oil," is derived from marijuana. The "hash" or "honey" is concentrated Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the psychoactive ingredient in marijuana. "Hash oil" is manufactured by utilizing highly flammable materials, such as Butane, to refine and concentrate the THC, making a product which can range upwards to 90% THC content. Today's marijuana sold in recreational and medical dispensaries typically have THC content ranging from 15% to 20%, and some as high as 30%. There has been a dramatic increase in the number of marijuana BHO lab explosions in Oregon in recent years. To the extent, the Oregon State Police has reformed several Clandestine Lab Response Teams. The last time these teams were being utilized was during the home methamphetamine manufacturing boom of the late 1990's and early 2000's.

Charges:

Justin Paul Hamilton:

Unlawful Possession of Heroin 475.854 (felony)
Unlawful Delivery of Heroin 475.850
Unlawful Possession of Methamphetamine 475.894 (felony)
Unlawful Delivery of Methamphetamine 475.890
Felon in Possession of a Firearm 166.270
Frequenting a Place where Controlled Substances are Used 167.222

Brandon Matthew Darrow:

Unlawful Possession of Heroin 475.854
Frequenting a Place where Controlled Substances are Used 167.222


The Central Oregon Drug Enforcement (CODE) team is a multi-jurisdictional narcotics task force supported by the Oregon-Idaho High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area (HIDTA) program and the following Central Oregon law enforcement agencies: Bend Police Department, Deschutes County Sheriff's Office, Redmond Police Department, Prineville Police Department, Crook County Sheriff's Office, Jefferson County Sheriff's Office, Madras Police Department, Oregon State Police, Sunriver Police Department, Black Butte Police Department, United States Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Warm Springs Tribal Police Department, Deschutes, Crook, and Jefferson County District Attorney's, and the Oregon National Guard.

The Oregon-Idaho HIDTA program is an Office of National Drug Control Policy (ONDCP) sponsored counterdrug grant program that coordinates and provides funding resources to multi-agency drug enforcement task forces to disrupt or dismantle local, multi-state and international drug trafficking organizations.