Stolen Vehicle Stop Leads to Surprising Discovery and Arrests
In a twist of events that seems straight out of a comedy sketch, Portland police officers made an unexpected discovery during a routine stolen vehicle stop. The incident, which occurred on Tuesday night, has since gone viral due to the ironic labeling of the contraband.
When officers approached the stolen vehicle, they spotted a bag with an eyebrow-raising label: “Definitely not a bag full of drugs.” Contrary to its emphatic denial, the bag was indeed full of illicit substances. Portland Police Bureau Sergeant Kevin Allen reported:
“Inside the vehicle was a substantial number of packaged drugs including methamphetamine and blue fentanyl pills, multiple scales, money and a loaded firearm.”
The contents of the bag included:
- 79 blue fentanyl pills
- 3 fake oxycodone tablets
- 230 grams of methamphetamine
The arrest and charges
Two individuals were apprehended at the scene:
- Reginald Reynolds, 35
- Mia Baggenstos, 37
Both suspects are now facing charges of drug possession and possession of a stolen vehicle. The irony of their situation was not lost on internet users, as photos of the drug bust quickly went viral.
Changing drug laws in Oregon
This arrest comes at a time of significant change in Oregon’s drug policies. In 2020, Oregon made headlines by decriminalizing the possession of small amounts of hard drugs under Ballot Measure 110. This progressive approach aimed to redirect funds from criminalization to treatment of substance-use disorders.
However, the landscape has shifted once again. Sergeant Allen explained:
“Notably, Oregon previously allowed people to carry small amounts of hard drugs under a 2020 act. Under Ballot Measure 110, drug users no longer received criminal penalties, but were instead served with a $100 ticket, which could be voided if the recipient got a needs assessment.”
Recent policy reversal
The policy faced challenges as Oregon grappled with increased rates of overdose and homelessness during the COVID-19 pandemic. In response to these issues and waning public support, the state has recently reversed course:
“In September, the state recriminalized drug possession. Starting Sept. 1, possession of small amounts of illicit substances once again became a misdemeanor crime.”
A lesson in subtlety
This incident serves as a reminder that when it comes to concealing illegal activities, sometimes less is more. The brazen labeling of the drug bag not only failed to throw off law enforcement but has also turned this arrest into a viral sensation.
As the case moves forward, it will likely be cited as an example of both the ongoing challenges in addressing drug-related crimes and the importance of discretion—even for those on the wrong side of the law.
The Portland Police Bureau continues to investigate the incident, reminding citizens to report any suspicious activities, especially those that come with ironic labels.