Boise Meth Kingpin Behrens Found Guilty

BOISE, ID – Edward Eric Behrens, 42, of Boise, is facing a lengthy federal prison sentence after a jury found him guilty of possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine. The verdict, delivered Thursday evening, concludes a four-day trial that laid bare Behrens’ role in flooding the streets with the deadly drug.

The case stems from a routine traffic stop on February 2, 2019, when Boise Police pulled Behrens over for an unspecified infraction. A trained K-9 unit immediately flagged Behrens’ vehicle, indicating the presence of narcotics. A subsequent search revealed a massive stash: 435.68 grams of *pure* methamphetamine, hidden within a large plastic bag. The sheer quantity points to Behrens operating as more than just a user – he was a distributor, a key link in the supply chain.

U.S. Attorney Bart M. Davis didn’t mince words following the conviction. “This isn’t about victimless crime,” Davis stated. “Methamphetamine destroys lives, tears apart families, and fuels other criminal activity. Removing this poison from our streets is a priority, and we will continue to relentlessly pursue those who profit from its distribution.”

The investigation was a collaborative effort, bringing together the Boise Police Department, Ada County Sheriff’s Office, Idaho State Police, and the Drug Enforcement Administration. Their combined resources and expertise were crucial in building a solid case against Behrens. The prosecution was handled by a Special Assistant U.S. Attorney, funded through the Oregon-Idaho High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area (HIDTA) program.

HIDTA, a federally-funded initiative, provides vital resources to local law enforcement in regions plagued by drug trafficking. In Idaho, these funds are specifically targeted at dismantling drug trafficking organizations operating in Ada, Canyon, and Bannock counties. This case is a direct result of that focused effort.

Behrens is scheduled to be sentenced on December 10, 2020, before U.S. District Judge B. Lynn Winmill. He faces a potential sentence of 15 years to life in federal prison, a maximum fine of $10 million, and up to five years of supervised release after his incarceration. This conviction sends a clear message: in Idaho, drug trafficking will be met with the full force of the law.