Honduran Dealer Faces Federal Charges After Oregon Man’s Fatal Overdose

A 30-year-old alleged fentanyl dealer, Alizon Vladimir Medina Varela, of Honduras, appeared in court on Thursday facing federal charges after the overdose death of a Gresham man whose name has not been released.

Medina Varela was accused of supplying the fentanyl that ended up with the Gresham man who died of a suspected overdose last month after the Special Investigations Unit attached to the Multnomah County Sheriff’s Office tracked the suppliers by sifting through text messages on the dead man’s cellphone.

The court documents indicate that police identified the person who sold to the Gresham man before working their way up to determine the bigger supply source.

On Tuesday, an undercover officer set up a buy from the alleged supplier, who is higher up in the chain, and arrested Varela when he showed up for the deal. Police seized about 140 grams of fentanyl from inside his car. The investigators are awaiting final toxicology results on the man who died.

Medina Varela was ordered to remain in custody as the case proceeds.

Morning Brief

Sign up today for our daily newsletter, a quick overview of top local stories and Oregon breaking news delivered straight to your inbox.

You can unsubscribe at any time.

What do you think?

Your email address will not be published.

Be the first to comment.

Latest News

All news
  1. Thieves Hit Happy Valley Funeral Home Four Times in a Week, Taking Trailers, a Van and ToolsCrime & Courts
  2. Multnomah County Agrees to Change Housing Rules HUD Says Could Favor Applicants by RacePolitics & Government
  3. Lane Community College Faculty Have Until Nov. 30 to Take a Buyout or Risk Being Laid OffEducation
  4. California Refinery Closures Shift Fuel Supplies as Southern Oregon Drivers Still Face $5 GasBusiness & Economy
  5. Trump Sends Election Monitors to Multnomah County; Oregon Says They Will Have No AuthorityPolitics & Government
  6. Consumer Confidence Stalls as Big Purchases Feel Out of Reach, Adding Pressure on Oregon HouseholdsBusiness & Economy

Read More