Gresham Man Arrested, 27 Pounds of Meth Seized in Salem

Police found 10 pounds concealed in a car and another 17 pounds in a motel room.

Apr. 7, 2026 at 11:19pm

An extreme close-up of a small pile of white crystalline powder, conceptually representing the methamphetamine seized in this narcotics investigation.A major methamphetamine bust in Salem reveals the ongoing drug trafficking challenges facing Oregon communities.Salem Today

The Salem Police Department arrested a 39-year-old Gresham man and seized 27 pounds of methamphetamine as part of a narcotics investigation on Mission Street Southeast. Officers found around 10 pounds of meth concealed underneath the man's car, and another 17 pounds in a motel room he had rented near Interstate 5.

Why it matters

The seizure of a large quantity of methamphetamine is significant, as the drug continues to be a major problem in Oregon communities, contributing to addiction, crime, and public health issues. This arrest is part of ongoing efforts by Salem police and federal law enforcement to target drug trafficking and distribution networks.

The details

Police contacted Luis Montes-Jimenez, 39, while he was driving a car around 11:43 p.m. on Monday. After obtaining a search warrant, they found approximately 10 pounds of methamphetamine concealed underneath the vehicle. The next day, detectives developed additional information that led them to a motel room rented by Montes-Jimenez near Interstate 5, where they seized another 17 pounds of methamphetamine. Montes-Jimenez was arrested and lodged at the Marion County Jail on charges of unlawful delivery and possession of methamphetamine.

  • On April 7, 2026, around 11:43 p.m., police contacted Montes-Jimenez while he was driving a car.
  • On April 8, 2026, detectives searched a motel room rented by Montes-Jimenez and seized 17 additional pounds of methamphetamine.

The players

Luis Montes-Jimenez

A 39-year-old man from Gresham, Oregon who was arrested and charged with unlawful delivery and possession of methamphetamine.

Salem Police Department

The law enforcement agency that conducted the narcotics investigation and made the arrest.

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What’s next

The investigation is ongoing, and police may make additional arrests or seizures related to this case.

The takeaway

This large meth seizure highlights the ongoing battle against drug trafficking and distribution in Oregon communities, with law enforcement working to disrupt supply chains and hold offenders accountable.