Illegal BHO lab explosion in Glendale

Glendale, Ore., — On Saturday evening (08/03/2024) at approximately 9:00 PM detectives with the Douglas Interagency Narcotics Team (DINT) investigated a suspicious structure fire that had occurred earlier in the evening in the 1400 block of Tunnel Road in Glendale.  

The fire was initially reported to 911 at approximately 4:14 PM, at which time Glendale Fire responded and prevented the fire from spreading.  The structure however, a 1,500 sq. foot general purpose building, was a total loss.  It was fortunate the fire did not spread, as the structure was surrounded by dry forest fuels.  Nearby residences were certainly under threat from possible fire spread.  

Deputies with the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office also responded, and notified DINT when it was discovered the fire was likely caused by an illegal BHO lab.  Due to the nature of the case, and the need for thorough investigation, DINT applied for, and was granted a search warrant for the property, structures, and residence at this location.  Detectives executed the search warrant at approximately 3:30 AM Sunday morning (08/04/2024).  Detectives found evidence indicating this was a suspected illegal marijuana extraction lab and production facility.  

BHO labs are known to be very dangerous due to the use of extremely volatile and flammable solvents. Butane is the most common solvent used, and appears to have been used in this case. These clandestine labs are often run by people without adequate knowledge or safety equipment in place.  They are often located in closed buildings without adequate ventilation or other safety systems.  Without proper safety measures in place, sometimes even the tiniest spark can ignite the collecting vapors, causing explosions and fire.  Often these explosions cause major property damage, personal injury, and even death.  

It is currently unknown if any injuries occurred in this case.  Two persons of interest fled the scene prior the arrival of first responders.  Two others, 38 year old Christopher Drezek of Glendale, and 35 year old Kendall Jorgensen of Ashland, were both contacted at the scene and were uninjured.  

There were no permits in place allowing this location to be a marijuana production facility of any kind.  No OLCC permits for recreational marijuana, no ODA permits for hemp production, and no medical marijuana licensing of any kind.  

Detectives found lots of evidence of illegal black market marijuana production to include thousands of pounds of processed marijuana and approximately 5 pounds of finished BHO product.  It appears a tremendous amount of processed marijuana was destroyed in the fire.  

A further search of the premises revealed evidence of several other controlled substance crimes.  Detectives seized notable amounts of suspected fentanyl, psilocybin mushrooms, ketamine, MDMA, DMT, and LSD.  All of these substances are routinely laced into marijuana products and/or used together with marijuana products.  Sometimes these substances are added to marijuana products and then sold on the black market without the knowledge of the end user, or in dosages that are misreported or unknown.  This is an example of why using substances from unknown sources, with unknown contents has never been more dangerous.  

8 firearms were also seized from the premises.  

Christopher Drezek was arrested and lodged at the Douglas County Jail on the following charges:

• Arson Incident to Manufacture of Cannabinoid Extract 1st degree
• Unlawful Manufacture of Marijuana
• Unlawful Delivery of Marijuana
• Unlawful Possession of Marijuana

Kendall Joregensen was arrested and lodged at the Douglas County Jail on the following charges:

• Arson Incident to Manufacture of Cannabinoid Extract 1st degree
• Unlawful Manufacture of Marijuana
• Unlawful Delivery of Marijuana
• Unlawful Possession of Marijuana
• Unlawful Possession of Sch. I Controlled Substance (2 counts)
• Unlawful Possession of 3,4-Methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA)
• Unlawful Possession of Sch II Controlled Substance

DINT is actively seeking the the whereabouts of the two persons who fled the scene prior to law enforcement arrival. The investigation is ongoing, and more arrests are anticipated.