Two Arrested On Serious Drug Related Charges

The Tillamook Narcotics Team (TNT) successfully executed a drug bust in the parking lot of Safeway in Tillamook, resulting in the arrest of two individuals on serious drug-related charges. On February 25th, 2025, TNT Detectives apprehended 27-year-old Austin Werner-Bell and 34-year-old Sam Benson, both residents of Tillamook County. Werner-Bell was arrested and subsequently indicted on charges of Manufacturing/Delivery of a Controlled Substance within 1,000 feet of a school, a Class A felony, and Manufacturing/Delivery of a Schedule II Controlled Substance, a Class B felony. Benson was arrested and charged with Unlawful Possession of a Schedule II Substance, an Unclassified Misdemeanor.

"The Tillamook Narcotics Team has been focusing on problem areas in our community, " said lead investigator Detective Martin Zepeda. "We ask that members of the community reach out to our anonymous tip line should they feel they have any information. This investigation stemmed from numerous complaints from the community reporting drug activity in the area." For those that don't know, TNT has an anonymous tip line at 503-815-3319. This operation was part of TNT’s ongoing commitment to combating drug-related crimes in the community and ensuring the safety of local residents, particularly in areas near schools and public spaces.