By Dan Corcoran

Glenwood, Ore.-- Springfield Police gave KEZI 9 News Reporter Dan Corcoran an exclusive look inside what has become known as "Heroin Hill" in Glenwood.  The two hundred acre swath of land first became a trouble spot a decade ago and it is still plaguing local law enforcement now.

Rising up in between Interstate 5 and and the southern portion of Franklin Boulevard in Glenwood is likely one of the dirtiest places in all of Lane County, known on the streets, and by the people who live here, as 'Heroin Hll'.  This muddy mess is home to upwards of fifty people, all living in conditions barely considered humane.  Many of the makeshift residents  here on Heroin Hll have called this place home for quite a while.

"Ken", who has lived here for two years, was one of the many folks who was told by law enforcement to pack up and get out last week.  But he does not have anywhere to go.

Police say 'Heroin Hill' is a hidden city within a city and that it is a magnet for drug dealers and addicts alike.  Sgt. David Lewis says though hill falls under county jurisdiction, it is always on his department's radar.

"They are current or former drug addicts or even people who sold drugs who have lost it all and are basically trying to survive with their addiction.  This is how they try to sustain themselves by just camping out and barely squeezing enough money out to eat and feed their drug habit," Lewis said.

The last known owner of at least a portion of so-called 'Heroin Hill' is Malcolm Judkins, a private property owner from Deleware.  Police say in order for the homeless camp there to be broken up or moved the owner of the land must file a complaint, something that has not happened. Meantime, authorities say they will keep checking the site as needed.