A weeklong interdiction operation led by the Montana Highway Patrol (MHP) in Butte resulted in multiple drug seizures and arrests as law enforcement worked to curb criminal activity and keep illegal narcotics out of Montana communities.
From October 7–14, MHP troopers partnered with the United States Border Patrol and the Air National Guard Counterdrug Aviation Unit to conduct the enforcement effort. The operation resulted in the seizure of nearly 25 grams of fentanyl powder, 11 pounds of methamphetamine, 260 pounds of marijuana, and more than $75,000 in illicit cash. In total, troopers made 34 arrests.
“Montana is no place for illegal activity,” said Colonel Kurt Sager, chief of the Montana Highway Patrol. “I am proud of the work that our troopers do day in and day out to get drugs and criminals off our streets to keep our communities safe. We couldn’t do it without the help of our partner agencies.”
In a separate operation last weekend, MHP’s Strategic Enforcement Traffic Team (SETT) targeted impaired and unsafe drivers in Missoula. Over the course of that enforcement effort, troopers made 260 traffic stops, arrested seven individuals, issued 63 speeding violations, and cited 26 drivers for seatbelt infractions.
Both operations are part of MHP’s ongoing statewide efforts to combat drug trafficking and impaired driving, and to enhance public safety through coordination with federal and local law enforcement partners.