MULTNOMAH COUNTY, Ore. – Investigators with the Multnomah County Sheriff’s Office (MCSO) Dangerous Drugs Team (DDT) have arrested a 34-year-old man as part of an investigation that resulted in the seizure of over nine pounds of methamphetamine, a kilo of fentanyl, and $40,000 in cash.  

The arrest occurred on Wednesday, September 3, 2025, when MCSO DDT investigators were watching a known drug location in northeast Portland, when they saw the suspect, Ricardo Olivas Sentael, engage in a drug deal.  

Investigators followed Olivas Sentael to his car, where arresting deputies later searched his car as part of their investigation. The search resulted in the seizure of half a pound of fentanyl. During the arrest, investigators learned Olivas Sentael was staying at a southeast Portland motel.

Later the same day, a search of Olivas Sentael’s hotel room resulted in the seizure of an additional nine pounds of methamphetamine and one kilo of fentanyl worth a combined $34,000. Investigators also seized thousands of dollars in cash. 

“With fentanyl's potency, we need everyone to understand that even a very small amount can be deadly,” said MCSO Sheriff Nicole Morrisey O’Donnell. “Removing a kilo of fentanyl represents hundreds of lives saved in our community and underscores the importance of our Dangerous Drug Team and I want to thank them for their work.” 

Earlier this year, the team was responsible for the largest drug seizure in MCSO’s history, confiscating over 278 pounds of methamphetamine and over two pounds of cocaine. 

Deputies booked Olivas Sentael into the Multnomah County Detention Center. This case is being prosecuted by the United State Attorney’s Office (USAO).  

MCSO would like to recognize and acknowledge the FBI and USAO for their assistance on this case. 

The Multnomah County Sheriff’s Office (MCSO) Dangerous Drugs Team (DDT) is a multi-jurisdictional narcotics task force that identifies, disrupts, and dismantles local, multi-state, and international drug trafficking organizations using an intelligence-driven, multi-agency prosecutor-supported approach. MCSO DDT is supported by the Oregon-Idaho High-Intensity Drug Trafficking Area (HIDTA) and is composed of members from the Multnomah County Sheriff’s Office, Gresham Police Department, FBI, U.S. Marshals Service and is supported by analysts from the Oregon National Guard.  

The Oregon-Idaho HIDTA program is an Office of National Drug Control Policy (ONDCP) sponsored counterdrug grant program that coordinates with and provides funding resources to multi-agency drug enforcement initiatives, including the Multnomah County Sheriff’s Office Dangerous Drugs Team. 

Charges are only allegations, and every arrested person is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt. The information contained in this news release is based on a preliminary review of the details available to the Multnomah County District Attorney’s Office. As the investigation progresses, information may change. 

Contact Info:
Communications Unit 
Multnomah County Sheriff's Office 
pio@mcso.us