Hazel Dell, Washington – A routine call about a vehicle break-in quickly escalated into a major drug and firearms seizure this week after deputies uncovered more than 200 pounds of marijuana, weapons, and suspects allegedly tied to a commercial burglary in Portland.
Investigators say the incident unfolded on November 30 when witnesses at a Hazel Dell apartment complex reported several individuals breaking into vehicles and moving large bags between cars. Deputies arrived minutes later and saw a group of nearly ten people scatter into a nearby wooded area, abandoning multiple vehicles that appeared heavily loaded.
What Deputies Found at the Scene
Inside four vehicles, deputies discovered 225 pounds of packaged and loose marijuana, marijuana plants, ammunition, and a .45-caliber Glock handgun. The volume and packaging style raised immediate red flags, prompting investigators to check with nearby agencies. Officials soon learned that a commercial marijuana warehouse in Portland had reportedly been burglarized earlier that same day, linking the two incidents.
This detail was later confirmed through information shared by the Clark County Sheriff’s Office in local reporting.
Strong Odor Leads Deputies to an Apartment Unit
While securing the scene, deputies noticed a strong smell coming from a nearby apartment. After obtaining a search warrant, they entered the unit and found three individuals hiding—one under a bed and another beneath blankets. Inside, deputies also recovered additional marijuana along with two AR-15 rifles, suggesting the operation may have extended beyond a simple vehicle break-in.
One Arrest Made, More Expected
Deputies arrested one suspect at the scene, though officials say several individuals fled and remain outstanding. The investigation is ongoing, and law enforcement believes additional arrests are likely as agencies coordinate across county and state lines.
How the Case Connects to a Larger Burglary Pattern
The discovery of so much marijuana in multiple vehicles, combined with the earlier Portland warehouse burglary, points to what deputies describe as a potential coordinated effort involving multiple suspects. Large-scale marijuana burglaries have become increasingly common in the region due to the high resale value of processed cannabis, especially when transported out of state.
Why Vehicle Break-In Calls Often Lead to Larger Cases
Law enforcement frequently notes that property crimes—such as vehicle prowls—can be gateways to uncovering broader criminal activity. Break-ins often accompany drug trafficking, organized theft groups, and stolen-car operations. In this case, a witness report about suspicious behavior served as the crucial first step in revealing the larger drug and weapons cache.
Community Safety Concerns
Officials stress that incidents involving large quantities of marijuana, armed suspects, and rapid flight can pose serious risks to nearby residents. Vehicles loaded with drugs and weapons abandoned in residential areas can attract further theft, violent encounters, or retaliation attempts.
Deputies encourage residents to report suspicious activity immediately, noting that quick calls often prevent crimes from escalating.
What Happens Next
The Clark County Sheriff’s Office is continuing to work with Portland-area agencies to track remaining suspects, match seized evidence to the earlier warehouse burglary, and determine whether the group is involved in additional crimes.
Conclusion
Cases like this highlight the critical role of community awareness and rapid reporting in helping law enforcement intercept large-scale criminal activity. Anyone with information related to this incident is urged to contact the Clark County Sheriff’s Office.
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