Portland police officers arrested two individuals on July 10, 2023, after discovering 14.1 pounds of cannabis during a traffic stop. The stop, initiated due to suspected fentanyl use, led to the apprehension of Mykell A. Bru, 37, and Luella T. Asuluk, 39, who now face multiple charges including possession of a controlled substance and unlawful possession of cannabis.
The incident unfolded at approximately 18:06 in Old Town, where officers from the Central Precinct Bike Squad were conducting routine patrols. They approached a parked vehicle occupied by Bru and Asuluk, who were suspected of using fentanyl. According to a press release from the Portland Police Bureau (PPB), both individuals were found to possess fentanyl and were deemed eligible for deflection services at the Multnomah County Pathways Center.
During the process, officers determined the vehicle needed to be towed due to illegal parking. A standard inventory search was conducted before towing, which revealed a conspicuous brown shipping box in the back seat. Upon opening the box, officers found numerous bricks of sealed marijuana.
The total amount of cannabis seized was 14.1 pounds, significantly exceeding Oregon’s legal possession limits. Under state law, individuals are permitted to possess over eight ounces of marijuana for personal use, or over two ounces in public. The quantity found in the vehicle surpassed the legal limit by more than 16 times, classifying the possession as a felony offense.
In addition to the cannabis, police also discovered ammunition and a realistic-looking replica firearm inside the vehicle. As a result, Bru and Asuluk were booked into the Multnomah County Detention Center and charged with possession of a controlled substance schedule II (fentanyl) and unlawful possession of cannabis for individuals aged 21 or older. The case number is 25-183769.
The PPB emphasized that this incident highlights the ongoing efforts of the Central Bike Squad to improve safety and enhance the quality of life in downtown Portland.
