In a recent crackdown on illicit drug activities, the Multnomah County Sheriff's Office (MCSO) and FBI jointly managed to make a significant dent in the local narcotics market. According to a press release from the MCSO, a man was arrested in connection with a drug bust in northeast Portland that netted more than nine pounds of methamphetamine, a kilo of fentanyl, and $40,000 in cash.
The operation, which took place on September 3, 2025, involved members of the Dangerous Drugs Team (DDT) conducting surveillance at a location where drug activity had been known to occur. Ricardo Olivas Sentael, 34, was observed engaging in a drug deal, which led investigators to follow and subsequently search his car. The search yielded half a pound of fentanyl. In a statement obtained by the MCSO, Sheriff Nicole Morrisey O’Donnell noted, "With fentanyl's potency, we need everyone to understand that even a very small amount can be deadly."
However, the search didn't stop there. Later the same day, a subsequent search of Olivas Sentael’s hotel room in southeast Portland led to the discovery of an even larger stash of drugs. The operation was deemed a clear success, as it potentially saved hundreds of lives. Earlier this year, the DDT was also responsible for the largest drug seizure in MCSO's history, boasting over 278 pounds of methamphetamine and more than two pounds of cocaine confiscated in one haul.
Olivas Sentael now faces criminal charges and has been booked into the Multnomah County Detention Center, with the United State Attorney’s Office leading the prosecution. The MCSO was quick to recognize the collaborative effort that included the FBI and USAO in making the arrest possible. It's worth noting that the Dangerous Drugs Team is a multi-jurisdictional task force aiming to disrupt drug trafficking. The team operates with support from the Oregon-Idaho High-Intensity Drug Trafficking Area (HIDTA) and includes members from various law enforcement agencies.
The arrest and seizure underscore the ongoing battle between law enforcement and drug traffickers in the region. The Oregon-Idaho HIDTA program, sponsored by the Office of National Drug Control Policy, provides critical funding and coordination for drug enforcement initiatives like those led by the MCSO Dangerous Drugs Team. As always emphasized in such cases, the charges filed are allegations, and the accused, Olivas Sentael, remains innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt according to the legal process.
