DEA Assists ATF With Five-Week Enforcement Operation Seizing 97 Firearms, Arresting 17 in Portland Area
Special Agent in Charge Robert A. Saccone, DEA Seattle Field Division, speaks at the joint press conference in Portland, Oregon, on Monday.
PORTLAND, Ore.— On Monday, at a press conference at the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Oregon, federal, state, and local law enforcement partners announced completion of a coordinated, five‑week federal law enforcement operation targeting firearms and narcotics trafficking in the Portland metro area. During that enforcement operation 97 firearms were seized and 17 defendants were arrested.
From August to September 2026, the U.S. Attorney’s Office and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF)—working with the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), along with federal, state, and local law enforcement partners—conducted an enforcement operation in the Portland metro area targeting narcotics and firearms trafficking. Using data to identify high‑risk locations, agents carried out investigative work, resulting in the seizure of 97 firearms and a significant quantity of illicit drugs, including methamphetamine, cocaine, crack cocaine, and fentanyl.
Seventeen individuals have been arrested to date:
- Steven Hatcher
- Aaron Stauffera
- Manuel Bernal
- Jay Williams Gimbal Reynolds
- Oscar Yanez
- Anthony Connelly
- Jeanni Crane
- Francisco Claudillo-Dimas
- Kenneth Hamilton
- Makayla Williams
- Gus Wayne
- Ryan Grant
- Carlos Ruiz-Perez
- Melanee Bybee
- Michael Hoeft
- Kristy Roberts
- Thomas Dingus
“Drug trafficking and violence go hand in hand, putting innocent lives and entire communities at risk,” said Robert A. Saccone, Special Agent in Charge, DEA Seattle Field Division. “DEA is committed to reducing violence in America’s most affected cities. This operation demonstrates what we can accomplish when law enforcement partners unite to take dangerous drugs, firearms, and violent offenders off our streets. Through Fentanyl Free America, DEA will continue working alongside our federal, state, and local partners to disrupt the fentanyl supply chain, reduce its availability, and save American lives.”
“Every gun seized is a life saved. Every gram seized is a life saved. This operation sends a clear message: if you traffic illegal guns or deadly narcotics in our communities, you will be held accountable,” said Scott Bradford, U.S. Attorney for the District of Oregon. “By working closely with our federal and local partners, we removed dangerous firearms and destructive drugs from our streets and put a stop to criminal activity that threatens the safety of every Oregonian. We will continue using every tool available to protect our neighborhoods and ensure those who endanger our community face justice.”
“Violent crime is not only a threat to innocent lives but also to our way of life,” said Jonathan Blais, Special Agent in Charge, ATF Seattle Field Division. “By removing trafficked firearms and dangerous drugs from the streets of Portland, we have made a meaningful difference, most notably for the residents, students, and visitors to this community. I want to thank our law enforcement and prosecutorial partners who joined us in our mission to reduce violent crime and disrupt both firearms and drug trafficking in this city. ATF remains committed to delivering measurable results and lasting public safety.”
The following law enforcement partners participated in this operation:
U.S. Attorney’s Office
Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF)
Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA)
High Intensity Drug Trafficking Areas (HIDTA) Program
Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)
U.S. Department of Homeland Security
U.S. Marshals Service
Gresham Police Department
Portland Police Bureau
Port of Portland Police Department
Salem Police Department
Multnomah County District Attorney’s Office
Multnomah County Sheriff’s Office
Multnomah County Parole & Probation Department
Washington County Sheriff’s Office, Community Violence Reduction Team
Hillsboro Police Department, Westside Interagency Narcotics Taskforce (WIN)
Scappoose Police Department