On May 16, 2024, the Eugene Police Street Crimes Unit, with the assistance of the Eugene Police Special investigations Unit, completed a drug investigation involving 69-year-old Eugene resident Michael Stuart Bethel. This drug investigation culminated with Bethel being stopped in his identified vehicle on Interstate 5 near Cottage Grove. A local judge granted a search warrant the team served on Bethel and his vehicle. They seized approximately 40 pounds of methamphetamine.

SCU, SIU, with the assistance of Eugene Police SWAT, Drones, and Crisis Negotiation Team subsequently served a residential search warrant at Bethel's residence in the 2900 block of Allane Avenue. An additional four pounds of methamphetamine, an ounce of cocaine, U.S. currency, a digital scale, packaging material, pay/owe records, and one firearm were seized from Bethel's residence.

Bethel was charged with the Unlawful Manufacture of Methamphetamine, Unlawful Delivery of Methamphetamine, Unlawful Possession of Methamphetamine (Substantial Quantity/Commercial Drug Offense), and the Unlawful Possession of Cocaine (Substantial Quantity/Commercial Drug Offense). One charge of Felon in Possession of a Firearm will be reviewed by the Lane County District Attorney's Office after review and confirmation of Bethel's prior felony conviction status in other states.

SCU and SIU were additionally assisted with intelligence obtained from their partnership with the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) and Drug K9 assistance from the Douglas County Sheriff's Office and the Lane County Sheriff's Office.

SCU focuses on prolific offenders, who are identified through intelligence-based policing, public tips, and other sources. They proactively respond across the city to quality-of-life issues as they arise, using all available resources and partners such as community groups, neighborhood associations and city services. SCU is dedicated to targeting immediate and acute community safety system issues while working toward mission-critical enhancements that need to be addressed through a longer-term and broader community safety initiative.

Eugene Police's Street Crimes Unit is funded by Community Safety Payroll Tax.SCU partners with other services to help solve issues, maximize services, and meet community needs. The tax was passed to provide funds to support the Community Safety System. Funding will help provide faster, more efficient safety responses, deter crime, connect people to services, engage and help at-risk youth, support more investigations, and court services, and hold those who commit crimes accountable. https://www.eugene-or.gov/3946/Community-Safety-Initiative