Montana law enforcement recently achieved a landmark victory in their fight against drug trafficking. In a collaborative effort, multiple agencies dismantled a massive drug network, culminating in the largest drug bust in the state’s history.

According to a press release from the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), the 2022 operation led to the federal convictions of 22 individuals connected to a drug trafficking organization with ties to Mexico's notorious Sinaloa Cartel.

Unprecedented Scale of Drug Trafficking in Montana

The dismantled network was responsible for smuggling over 2,043 pounds of methamphetamine and 722,000 fentanyl-laced pills from Mexico into Butte, Montana, for redistribution. Authorities reported that the operation laundered approximately $2.98 million in drug proceeds.

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During the investigation, law enforcement seized:

  • 65 pounds of methamphetamine
  • Over 2,000 counterfeit oxycodone pills containing fentanyl
  • Three pounds of heroin
  • $32,875 in cash
  • 19 firearms

Investigation Origins and Impact

The investigation began with a tip about a suspicious package, which ultimately unraveled the sprawling network. Court documents highlight the devastating impact these drugs have had on Montana's communities, particularly Native American reservations, which have suffered irreparable harm from the influx of methamphetamine and fentanyl.

There’s no question that Mexico is the source of illegal drugs pouring into our state. These cases – which are the culmination of years of investigative and prosecutorial work – put that to rest.

said Montana Attorney General Austin Knudsen.

How the Operation Worked

Drugs were smuggled from Mexico to stash houses in Southern California before being transported via vehicles and mail to Butte. Once in Montana, the substances were distributed to local dealers who supplied cities including Missoula, Helena, Great Falls, Bozeman, Billings, and Wolf Point.

This historic case highlights the ongoing challenges law enforcement faces in combating drug trafficking and underscores the need for continued vigilance to protect Montana communities.

For more details on this case, [click here].

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