OSP Traffic Stop, Subsequent Investigation Leads To Arrests, Seizure Of Over 75 Lbs Of Marijuana, Firearms In Southern Oregon

Photos: Oregon State Police

(Ashland, Oregon) - Following a Tuesday afternoon Oregon State Police (OSP) traffic stop west of Klamath Falls, a multi-agency investigation led by the OSP Drug Enforcement Section resulted in the search of a residence and the arrest of two people in north rural Jackson County. In addition, two Iowa residents are facing charges related to the traffic stop. A total of approximately 77 pounds of marijuana, firearms, and other evidence was seized and additional arrests are possibly pending.

According to OSP Drug Enforcement Section Sergeant Walt Markee, on April 26, 2011 at approximately 5:30 p.m. an OSP trooper from the Klamath Falls Area Command office stopped a rented passenger car on Highway 140W near milepost 49 for a traffic violation. The two vehicle occupants were identified as Jay D. Hudson, age 45, from Mitchellville, Iowa, and passenger Belinda A. Clark, age 37, from Des Moines, Iowa.

Subsequent investigation related to the initial traffic stop resulted in the seizure of approximately 47 pounds of packaged marijuana from HUDSON and CLARK. They are facing charges in Klamath County Circuit Court for Unlawful Possession and Distribution of Marijuana.

Follow up investigation led law enforcement officers to Queens Branch Road in the Rogue River area where the marijuana had originated from. Arrested at the Queens Branch Road location were residents Donald Sifford, age 52, and Christopher Sifford, age 26. The residence search located approximately 30 pounds of marijuana, eleven firearms, scales, packaging materials, 91 marijuana starter plants, and other evidence.

Donald Sifford was lodged at the Jackson County Jail for Unlawful Possession, Delivery and Manufacture of Marijuana.

Christopher Sifford was lodged at the Jackson County Jail for Conspiracy to Deliver Marijuana.

Members from the OSP Patrol Services Division, Medford Area Drug & Gang Enforcement (MADGE) team, OSP Drug Enforcement Section (DES) and the Rogue Area Drug Enforcement (RADE) team participated in the investigation. Information indicates the marijuana was to be delivered out of state but the exact location is not being released.

Total estimated value of the seized marijuana is approximately $200,000.

News Release from: Oregon State Police

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