PORTLAND, Oregon -- A week-long police operation targeting drug use and dealing across Portland concluded Friday, with Portland police and Oregon State Police making arrests and engaging with community members impacted by the city's ongoing drug crisis.
On the east side of Providence Park, employees at the Express Market convenience store say they encounter theft and drug-related issues daily.
"We get theft every day, every single day, and it's not just theft -- it's violent," said Justine, who was working the register Friday morning. She added that store employees often carry tasers and even a baseball bat for protection.
The presence of illicit drugs, particularly fentanyl, is a growing concern.
"My coworker once had someone open their wallet, and they had a tinfoil full of fentanyl just sitting in there next to their money," Justine said.
Across the stadium at another neighborhood shop, employees are facing similar issues.
"We get a lot of shoplifters come in; there has been quite a bit of drug activity outside," said Randy Coats, who works at Stadium Superette.
The week-long mission, spearheaded by the Portland Police Bureau, included patrols throughout the city, with help from Oregon State Police on the final day.
"Today with the assistance of the Oregon State Police, which is really a force multiplier, we are going to go out and solve problems in this area," said Central Precinct Commander Brian Hughes.
On Friday, officers were seen making arrests outside a Plaid Pantry store on Southwest Jefferson Street. Patrols focused on Goose Hollow and areas around the Park Blocks. According to Hughes, the operation's first four days led to 58 individuals being referred to the city's deflection program, which offers treatment options in lieu of jail time. Another 56 people were arrested on outstanding warrants.
Local businesses welcomed the increased police presence.
"We just want a nice, clean city where people come buy stuff, and there is no screaming, no yelling, no violence," said Justine.