Redmond couple arrested for trafficking fentanyl during traffic stop on Highway 20, remain in jail

BLACK BUTTE RANCH, Ore. (KTVZ) – A traffic stop Friday evening on Highway 20 near Black Butte Ranch led to the arrest of a Redmond couple accused of trafficking fentanyl and, with the help of a Drug sniffing K-9 seized fentanyl pills, powder and other drugs, officials said Tuesday.

The Central Oregon Drug Enforcement Team, the Deschutes County Sheriff's Office and the Redmond Police Department concluded a short-term investigation with the arrest of Tamar Dibben and Abigail Bates, both aged 24, said Lt. Mike Landolt of Team CODE.

Drug agents conducted a surveillance operation Friday that led to a traffic stop by police around 8:20 p.m., Landolt said.

Redmond Polie and K-9 Sadie were present for the stop, where Sadie was deployed and alerted to an order indicating the presence of drugs in both men's vehicle.

CODE Team detectives requested and obtained a search warrant for the vehicle and its two occupants, which resulted in the discovery of a large quantity of suspected fentanyl in the form of powder and pills, as well as cash and smaller amounts of methamphetamine and alprazolam, a sedative known by his name. trade name of Xanax.

Dibben and Bates were transported and booked into the Bend County Jail on charges of drug possession and delivery. Landolt said more charges could be filed in this case as the investigation is ongoing.

Court records show Dibeen was arraigned Tuesday on two initial felony charges of drug manufacturing/delivery and possession. He is scheduled to be arraigned next week on an expected grand jury indictment. Bates was in court to face the same charges, but no public defender was available. She must therefore return to court in a week to verify her lawyer status.

Dibben remains jailed on $500,000 bail, while Bates is being held on $100,000 bail, according to jail records.