Nearly yearlong investigation leads to arrest of 2 suspected drug traffickers

The Clark County Sheriff’s Office Special Investigations Unit assisted in the arrest of two alleged drug traffickers on Tuesday after a nearly yearlong investigation.

Martin Rangel (aka Marco Miranda-Medina), 57, and Tatum Littau, 24, were traveling by car from California when investigators arrested them during a traffic stop in Jefferson County, Ore. Investigators found 11,000 fentanyl pills concealed in the driver’s seat, according to a sheriff’s office press release.

The investigation began in October 2023 when Clark County Sheriff’s Office detectives contacted Rangel at his residence, a room at the Sunnyside Motel in Vancouver, while investigating a drive-by shooting. Investigators spotted evidence of drug trafficking and petitioned Clark County Superior Court for a search warrant, according to the press release.

During a search of Rangel’s motel room, detectives found methamphetamine, fentanyl, cash and a firearm, according to the press release. He was booked into the Clark County Jail on suspicion of possession of a controlled substance with intent to deliver and unlawful possession of a firearm. He posted bail and was released.

In July, sheriff’s detectives learned that Rangel often travels to California to obtain large quantities of fentanyl to distribute in Clark County, according to the press release.

Investigators arrested Rangel for his felony warrants from the initial 2023 investigation on Aug. 25 after learning he was returning from California, according to the press release. He was extradited to Clark County and later released.

The Clark County Sheriff’s Office once again learned Rangel would travel to California on Sept. 17, this time with his girlfriend, Littau, who had several Clark County felony warrants for her arrest, according to the press release.

Rangel and Littau will be charged in Jefferson County for the equivalent charge of possession of a controlled substance with intent to deliver, according to the press release.