Suspected Cocaine Manufacturer Arrested: Portland Police, FBI

PORTLAND, OR — A Portland man with a remarkable criminal history in Oregon, much of which includes multiple felony convictions for cocaine possession, cocaine delivery, and assault, was arrested early Thursday on felony charges once again related to cocaine, according to the Portland Police Bureau.

Gregory Milton Brown, 47, was taken to the Multnomah County Jail on five felony charges, which include possessing cocaine, and manufacturing and delivering cocaine near a school. He is being held on $145,000 bail.

Following community complaints of possible criminal and drug activity at two residences roughly 2 miles apart in north Portland, the Metropolitan Gang Taskforce (MGTF) began investigating both homes: one in the 6900-block of North Interstate Avenue, and the other in the 7000-block of Northeast Eighth Avenue — near Woodlawn Elementary School.

A shooting incident in front of the home on Northeast Eighth Avenue prompted the initial investigation, police said.

Around 3:30 a.m. April 22, gunfire from in front of the suspect home struck the house across the street, which officers said was not the intended target.

As the investigation continued, the MGTF — which is comprised of Portland Police Bureau personnel and FBI agents — learned Brown not only rented the suspect home involved in the shooting but also the home on North Interstate Avenue.

A prolonged investigation throughout the spring, summer, and fall involving multiple law enforcement agencies and community members culminated on Dec. 7 when the PPB's Special Emergency Reaction Team (SERT) served search warrants at both residences.

Brown was arrested at the Northeast Eighth Avenue address, police said, noting that officers recovered cocaine, cash allegedly from the sale of cocaine, and "weapon-related items" while serving the warrants at both homes.

Anyone with information on Brown is encouraged to call Officer Colby Panter at 503-823-4106, or email Colby.Panter@portlandoregon.gov.

Anyone who wishes to report suspected criminal or drug activity in their neighborhood can call the Portland Police Bureau's non-emergency line at 503-823-3333, or complete the Drug Complaint Form on the Police Bureau's website.

Gregory Milton Brown booking photo via Portland Police Bureau