Residents Evacuated as Portland Police Break Down Door in Downtown Drug Raid
PORTLAND, Ore. — Residents of an apartment block in the 1400 block of Southwest 12th Avenue, Portland, were ordered to vacate the building before police officers broke down a door and smashed glass to gain entry to one of the units in a narcotics raid.
They were ordered to vacate the building over a public address system at 9.30 a.m. on Friday 30 May by the police who were serving a search warrant on one of the apartments in the building. Police had received information that there was at least one gun in the apartment.
The front door of the unit was breached by the Special Emergency Reaction Team (SERT) and the Crisis Negotiation Team (CNT).
Two Men Arrested, Drugs, Gun, and Body Armor Seized
They arrested two men in the apartment and seized a revolver, body armor, and 85 grams of methamphetamine during a search of the premises.
Uriel Aceves-Leos (30) of Portland was charged with the distribution and possession of methamphetamine and was booked into the Multnomah County Detention Center. He was also charged as a felon in possession of a firearm.
Verdell Center (29) faces the same distribution and possession charges, as well as a charge for a felon in possession of body armor. He is also booked into the Multnomah County Detention Center.
The police operation resulted from a Service Coordination Team Proactive Patrol investigation during which officers obtained information about a suspect involved in narcotics trafficking and illegal firearms possession.
Police Appeal for Information
The Portland Police Bureau (PPB) appeals to readers for information about the case or crimes involving the suspects to email: [email protected] attn: NOC, case number 25-130095.
PPB manages the Service Coordination Team (SCT) program within its Behavioral Health Unit, to reduce crime in the city. SCT is responsible for coordinating law enforcement, criminal justice, supportive housing, and treatment resources for individuals under arrest.
The SCT program improves public safety and increases the quality of life for residents of Portland. The program also offers access to treatment, housing, and other resources.