BANDON, Ore. — A coordinated raid involving multiple law enforcement and state agencies led to the arrest of West Coast Game Park Safari owner Brian Tenney after authorities uncovered drugs, firearms, and millions in assets during searches this month.
The South Coast Interagency Narcotics Team (SCINT) executed multiple search warrants on May 15 at the wildlife facility near Bandon. Officers located approximately 80 grams of methamphetamine, which prompted an additional search warrant focused on controlled substance violations.
Authorities say the second warrant resulted in the seizure of 44 firearms, including one converted to a machine gun, about 8 grams of cocaine, and roughly $1.6 million in various financial forms, including cash, cashier’s checks, bonds, and certificates.
Tenney, 52, was arrested at approximately 9:15 a.m. on Tuesday by the Bandon Police Department, acting on a probable cause statement from the Coos County Sheriff’s Office. He was booked into Coos County Jail on charges of methamphetamine possession, manufacturing, and attempted distribution.
The operation involved the Oregon State Police, Oregon Humane Society, Oregon Department of Agriculture, Internal Revenue Service, and Oregon Department of Justice. A photo released by the Oregon State Police shows a lion at the facility, one of more than 300 animals housed there.
Agencies continue probe into drug activity and animal welfare
The investigation remains active, and officials have not confirmed if additional charges related to animal welfare or firearm violations are expected. Law enforcement emphasized that all individuals are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
No details have been released about the current condition or relocation status of the animals, although the Oregon Humane Society participated in the operation. State agricultural officials were also present during the raid.
“Police action is not indicative of guilt. All persons are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law,” the department noted.
Tenney’s arrest comes nearly two weeks after the initial raid. His connection to the seized assets and weapons is under review by investigators.
Authorities uncovered firearms, narcotics and millions in assets during a raid on an Oregon safari park.
