What happened: In 2023, then-Portland Police Chief Chuck Lovell went public with a connection his officers observed daily on downtown streets: People were exchanging empty cans and bottles directly for fentanyl. Oregon’s pioneering Bottle Bill, passed in 1971, and the low street price of the synthetic opioid had combined to create a new currency. Ten cans would buy one fentanyl pill, or “blue.” WW examined the fallout on downtown stores and neighborhoods. After the story appeared, Gov. Tina Kotek took action, suspending the legal obligation of two hard-hit stores-the Safeway at 1030 SW Jefferson St. and a Plaid Pantry on an adjacent block-to accept returns.