Traffic Stop Leads to Drug Seizure

SALEM, Ore.- On August 21, 2026, officers made a traffic stop involving Roberto Gaona, 44, and Syreeta Gaono, 43, both of Salem, that led to the seizure of almost a half pound of methamphetamine.

At approximately 9:40 p.m., officers stopped a vehicle for a traffic violation at the intersection of Hawthorne Avenue NE and Sunnyview Road NE. The driver was identified as Syreeta Gaono, with Roberto Gaona as the passenger. During the investigation, officers located drug paraphernalia and approximately 16.8 grams of methamphetamine.

Syreeta and Roberto were released from the scene once the traffic stop and vehicle tow were completed. Syreeta was issued a criminal citation for Unlawful Possession of Methamphetamine along with other traffic violation-related citations.

During the investigation, a backpack was found in the vehicle, which no one claimed ownership of. Officers applied for and were granted a search warrant for the backpack. During the execution of the search warrant, approximately 273 grams of suspected methamphetamine was recovered, along with personal items belonging to Roberto Gaona and a spring-assisted knife. The knife is classified as a prohibited weapon because of Roberto's status as a convicted felon.

Charges are being filed with the Marion County District Attorney's Office for Roberto Gaona, including Unlawful Delivery of Methamphetamine, Unlawful Possession of Methamphetamine, and Felon in Possession of a Restricted Weapon.

The investigation is ongoing, and further inquiries should be directed to the Marion County District Attorney's Office.

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