Crime & Safety
Jackson County, OR Drug Bust: 100+ Grams of Fentanyl Seized
Medford, OR – A Medford man is being held in the Jackson County Jail after authorities say multiple alleged attempts to elude police led to crashes, arrests and the seizure of more than 100 grams of f
By Evan Cross · 2026-09-29T23:30:31.289Z
Medford, OR – A Medford man is being held in the Jackson County Jail after authorities say multiple alleged attempts to elude police led to crashes, arrests and the seizure of more than 100 grams of fentanyl and nearly 400 grams of heroin.
According to the Jackson County Sheriff ’s Office , Ismael Garcia Nava Jr., 32, was jailed after allegedly crashing while attempting to elude Central Point police on Saturday, Sept. 19, 2026. Investigators said the case stems from encounters with law enforcement dating back to August.
Deputies said they initially attempted to stop Garcia Nava for speeding on Wednesday, Aug. 12, 2026. He allegedly fled before crashing on Elk Street in Medford and running from the vehicle. Medford police helped establish a perimeter, and Garcia Nava was later taken into custody.
The sheriff’s office said he was released Aug. 22 because of jail overcrowding. A search warrant executed the following day allegedly uncovered 41 grams of fentanyl, 26 grams of methamphetamine, 93 grams of marijuana, drug packaging materials, a digital scale and a loaded semi automatic handgun inside the vehicle.
Authorities said Garcia Nava was encountered again Sept. 19 near Hanley Road and West Pine Street in Central Point. After an alleged elude, he crashed near North Front and Laurel streets and fled on foot, according to police. Officers arrested him and recovered a discarded shoulder bag.
A warrant to search that bag was executed Thursday, Sept. 24, 2026. Police reported finding 396 grams of heroin, 64 grams of fentanyl and 2.5 grams of methamphetamine , along with packaging materials and a scale.
Garcia Nava faces allegations including controlled substance possession, manufacture and delivery, felon in possession of a firearm, eluding and reckless driving. The sheriff’s office said the investigation remains open.