November 5, 2007

The unintended consequences of a Search and Rescue party

Whoops... From Portland TV Station KPTV:
Search For Hikers Leads To $25,000 In Marijuana
Missing Pair Located And In Good Condition

While searching for two missing hikers in the Columbia River Gorge, deputies stumbled upon $25,000 in marijuana, officials said.

Multnomah County deputies said the pair called for help around 7 p.m. Saturday from the Angel rest area near Bridal Veil in the Columbia River Gorge. The hikers, who have not been identified, apparently had fallen into a creek and were wet and tired.

The county's search and rescue team responded and brought along some of the group's teenage volunteers.

As the teens were searching the area, deputies said they discovered three men and a woman with duffle bags.

The four people dropped their bags and ran, according to police. When the teen volunteers investigated the bags, deputies said they found $25,000 worth of marijuana.

The discovery forced the deputies to temporarily suspend the search for the missing hikers and begin looking for the men.

When the men could not be immediately located, deputies resumed the search for the missing hikers.

The two hikers were located shortly at about 10 a.m. Sunday. Officials said the pair appear to be in good condition.
Talk about being in the wrong place at the wrong time... Posted by DaveH at November 5, 2007 11:36 AM