PORTLAND, Ore. — The Portland Police Bureau (PPB) is beginning to crack down on one new hot spot for drug use. On Tuesday, almost 20 people were arrested around the Central Library in Multnomah County.
Police said 36 drug citations were given out Tuesday as well. Of the 17 people arrested, 11 were arrested for warrants, four for trespassing, one for possession of a controlled substance, and one for distribution of a controlled substance.
The crackdown comes days after Portland police arrested nine people around the library and the North Park blocks. Seven of them were dealers, PPB said.
“You’re watching drugs everywhere,” said Amber Jobe, the owner of The Skeleton Key Odditorium. “And it’s exhausting.”
For months, an influx of people has gathered around the library, Jobe said. Many smoke fentanyl on the sidewalk.
“Since December, all of the businesses on the block have essentially had at least one window broken,” Jobe said.
“Portland doesn’t have a plan on what to do with folks,” added Christine Burmeister, the owner of Taylor Street Kitchen. “So, we just keep shuffling them around and this is where they landed.”
In an email, county officials acknowledge blocks near the library are impacted by fentanyl, though they are working with police and library staff to reduce fentanyl use and improve safety.
Some people living on the street also agree that there are problems around the library.
“It’s gotten worse,” Justin Horst, a homeless Portland resident, said.
Horst has lived near the Central Library for a year. He uses fentanyl and was around the library shortly before Tuesday’s arrests, though he and other homeless residents say more treatments and shelters are needed.
“Where you can go in and get a cup of soup,” Michael Rushing, a homeless resident, said. “Something to drink. Something to eat.”
Business owners agree more treatment is needed, though they add that enforcement is important as well.
“I love Portland, but right now, it’s difficult,” Troy Berry, co-owner of 10th Avenue Liquor, said. “It’s been difficult. It’s impacted our counter sales up to 40%.”