Local Illegal Marijuana Task Force Identifies Medford Black-Market Cannabis Shipping Business, Seizes $1.19 Million, 16 Firearms (Photo)

MPD Case 22-4457

MEDFORD, Ore. - Illegal Marijuana Enforcement Team (IMET) detectives along with Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), and Southern Oregon High Tech Crimes Task Force (SOHTCTF) served two search warrants on a black-market marijuana shipping organization the morning of May 13. The search warrants were part of a yearlong investigation into the illegal shipping of black-market marijuana and other illicit substances from Southern Oregon throughout the United States. The investigation identified a local business, residence, and multiple suspects involved in the illegal activity. 

Detectives identified multiple suspects during their investigation. Jonathan James Quintero, 53, was contacted and interviewed at the business and criminal charges are pending further investigation. Matthew James Sachen, 28, was contacted and interviewed at the residence and criminal charges are also pending.

While searching the associated business and residence, detectives located and seized $1,191,970 in cash and 16 firearms. The money seized is the suspected proceeds of the illegal shipping business and is being criminally forfeited through HSI. This case is being reviewed by the Assistant United States Attorneys (AUSA) for federal prosecution and additional suspects have been identified. The case remains open, and investigations are ongoing. 

During the search, investigators seized digital devices which will be forensically examined by SOHTCTF for further evidence of illicit activity. Detectives served the warrants as a result of yearlong investigation into the crimes of unlawful delivery of marijuana, conspiracy for the unlawful delivery of marijuana, unlawful import/export of a marijuana item, and money laundering.

Detectives served the first search warrant at the ProPack & Ship business on the 2700 block of West Main Street in Medford. The second search warrant was at a residence on the 2500 block of Tahitian Avenue in Medford. The business is suspected of illegally shipping black-market marijuana throughout the U.S. Once the locations were secured, a Medford Police Department (MPD) drug detection canine responded and alerted on several packages. Additional search warrants will be obtained and served on those packages. 

Throughout the course of this investigation multiple suspects were contacted and interviewed and additional subjects were identified using ProPack & Ship for illegal purposes. These subjects will be contacted and interviewed regarding their involvement.

While regulatory agencies investigate permitted cannabis operations, IMET is focusing on the black-market marijuana trade in the Rogue Valley. IMET is a multi-agency task force funded by a grant from the Oregon Criminal Justice Commission. The task force includes personnel from Jackson County Sheriff’s Office, Medford Police Department, and the Jackson County District Attorney’s Office. 

Investigations are open and ongoing with detectives working additional leads. The city of Medford is conducting a business license review based on the criminal activity originating from the ProPack & Ship location. No further information is currently available for release.

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