Regional drug detectives arrested a 27-year-old Prineville man recently employed as a drug and alcohol counselor in a heroin-trafficking investigation, the Central Oregon Drug Enforcement Team announced Thursday.

The investigation began about two months ago when detectives received information about heroin dealing in Crook, Deschutes and Jefferson counties, according to a news release.

Investigators learned the man would get the heroin in Portland and return to Central Oregon to sell it. And on Monday, detectives discovered Ryan Kenneth Smith would be making one of those trips. They conducted a high-risk traffic stop as Smith was entering Madras, according to the news release.

In a search of Smith’s vehicle, detectives found a commercial amount of heroin, a smaller amount of methamphetamine, scales, packaging material and other evidence of sales and manufacturing of both drugs.

He was arrested on suspicion of unlawful manufacturing, delivery and possession of heroin and unlawful delivery and possession of meth. He was being held Thursday night in the Jefferson County jail in lieu of bond, according to jail records.