OFFICERS ARREST FOUR, SEIZE BIG POT STASH

Narcotics agents seized a total of 78 pounds of "B.C. Bud," a potent
breed of Canadian-grown marijuana, in a series of arrests Monday in
Springfield and Cottage Grove.

Undercover officers from the Valley Interagency Narcotic Team in Albany,
and Eugene's Interagency Narcotics Enforcement Team, arrested two
brothers at Gateway Mall in Springfield on Monday. They were charged
with possession and delivery of 10 pounds of marijuana.

The arrests of Nicholas Joe Mendera, 27, and Peter Vincent Mendera, 22,
both of Roseburg, at the mall, led officers to a residence on Highway 99
in Cottage Grove, police said.

During a search of the home, officers reportedly seized an additional 68
pounds of marijuana, five firearms, scales and packaging supplies, as
well as $33,750 in cash, police said. The marijuana had an estimated
street value of $300,000.

Christopher John Wilson, 29, and Jayson Michael Traviss, 23, both of
Roseburg, were arrested on charges of possession and delivery of
marijuana.

Eugene's narcotics team is investigating the case. Oregon State Police,
as well as Cottage Grove and Corvallis police, aided in Monday's
arrests.


Newshawk: Prohibition Funds Terrorism
Pubdate: Thur, 14 Mar 2002
Source: Register-Guard, The (OR)
Copyright: 2002 The Register-Guard
Contact: rgletters@guardnet.com
Website: http://www.registerguard.com/