An 18-year-old drug trafficker has been arrested and is facing federal charges after being caught transporting multiple packages of powdered fentanyl, according to officials. Cristhian Martinez, who was also found to have a 20-ton shop press used to manufacture fentanyl bricks in his apartment, has been charged with intent to distribute fentanyl and possessing a firearm in connection with drug trafficking.
The investigation into Martinez began when the Clackamas County Interagency Task Force was called to investigate a fatal overdose in September 2023. During the scene processing, investigators discovered counterfeit M30 Oxycodone pills believed to be made with fentanyl. Martinez was identified as the person who sold fentanyl to the deceased victim’s dealer.
On November 16, Martinez was located by investigators while traveling from California to Oregon. Authorities followed his car and conducted a traffic stop in Gladstone. During a K-9 sweep of Martinez’s vehicle, investigators found concealed packages containing over 1,000 grams of compressed fentanyl. Later that same day, a federal search warrant was executed on Martinez’s Gladstone apartment. The search revealed a fentanyl manufacturing and distribution operation, along with additional quantities of fentanyl, a 20-ton shop press used for producing fentanyl powder bricks, 10 handguns, an AR-15-style assault rifle, ammunition, and other materials related to drug trafficking.
Martinez appeared in federal court for the first time on Monday before a U.S. Magistrate Judge. The case highlights the ongoing efforts to combat the illegal drug trade and prevent further fatal overdoses. For more news, weather, sports, and streaming video, visit KOIN.com.
