The South Coast Interagency Narcotics Team arrested three Myrtle Point residents and confiscated about 25 grams of methamphetamine Tuesday following a long-term investigation.

According to a SCINT press release, at about 3:15 p.m., Douglas County sheriff’s deputies stopped a blue 2004 Ford pickup traveling east on state Highway 42, near the Coos County line. They located three plastic bags containing approximately 23 grams of methamphetamine next to the center console of the vehicle. They also found two loaded rifles and a set of digital scales with meth residue.

The driver, Ronald W. Henderson, 48, was arrested on charges of unlawful delivery of meth, unlawful possession of meth, and two counts of felon in possession of a firearm.

A passenger in the vehicle, Gary S. Ivie, 42, was arrested on a charge of unlawful possession of meth.

Both men were taken to the Douglas County jail. This morning, both Henderson and Ivie were still in custody on $20,000 bail each.

Following the traffic stop, SCINT obtained a search warrant of Henderson’s residence, 603 C St., in Myrtle Point.

Detectives found counterfeit money, drug paraphernalia, scales, packaging material, more than an ounce of marijuana packaged for sale and approximately 2.5 grams of methamphetamine.  Detectives also found three electric blasting caps, which were turned over to the Oregon State Police Bomb Squad of Central Point.

They also found Diane Schaffer, 44, who was arrested on charges of unlawful delivery of meth, unlawful possession of meth, and unlawful manufacture of meth within 1,000 feet of a school.  She was taken to the Coos County jail, where she was booked and later released on her own recognizance.

According to the press release, the arrests came after six months of intelligence gathering and surveillance by SCINT with the assistance of the Douglas Interagency Narcotics Team and the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office. 

Any businesses that have received counterfeit $20 bills in the Coos County area are urged to contact the South Coast Interagency Narcotics Team.