Crime & Safety
Yamhill County, OR: K9 Puddles Helps Uncover Major Drug Shipment
NEWBERG, OR – A coordinated narcotics investigation in northwestern Oregon led to the seizure of approximately 2.2 pounds of methamphetamine and fentanyl after a police K9 helped deputies identify sus
By Sophie Caldwell · 2026-10-09T23:29:06.060Z
NEWBERG, OR – A coordinated narcotics investigation in northwestern Oregon led to the seizure of approximately 2.2 pounds of methamphetamine and fentanyl after a police K9 helped deputies identify suspected drugs during a traffic stop near Newberg.
According to the Yamhill County Sheriff 's Office, the investigation unfolded Wednesday, Sept. 30, when members of the county's Street Crimes and Narcotics SCAN Team, Special Investigations Unit and Rural Patrol Red Team stopped a vehicle entering the Walgreens parking lot in Newberg.
Authorities said the occupants were suspected of transporting significant quantities of controlled substances into Yamhill County.
Following the stop, Corporal Akin and K9 Puddles of the Washington County Sheriff's Office responded to assist investigators.
Puddles, trained in narcotics detection and tracking, conducted an exterior sniff of the vehicle and provided a positive alert for the odor of controlled substances.
Investigators subsequently obtained and executed a search warrant.
The search resulted in the seizure of approximately 2.2 pounds of methamphetamine, 6.8 grams of fentanyl and additional drug paraphernalia, according to the sheriff's office.
Jeremy Brandon Tarozzi, 43, of Carlton, was taken into custody and booked into the Yamhill County Correctional Facility.
He faces allegations of unlawful delivery of methamphetamine and unlawful possession of methamphetamine in a substantial quantity.
Yamhill County Sheriff Sam Elliott praised the coordinated response, emphasizing the importance of partnerships between investigators, deputies and neighboring law enforcement agencies.
The Washington County Sheriff's Office also highlighted K9 Puddles' expanded capabilities, noting that the dog recently added narcotics detection to her existing tracking skills.
Authorities said the investigation remains ongoing and additional charges are anticipated.
The sheriff's office has not released further details about the suspected distribution network or whether additional arrests are expected.
Tarozzi is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in court.