Meth Trafficking Ring Busted on Blackfeet Indian Reservation

A devastating meth trafficking ring has been brought to justice on the Blackfeet Indian Reservation in Montana. Cynthia Ann Valenzuela, a 28-year-old resident of Browning, Montana, has been sentenced to three years and six months in prison for her role in the operation.

According to court documents, Valenzuela was stopped in multiple vehicles containing methamphetamine and other evidence of distribution in the spring of 2023. In April 2023, she was a passenger in a vehicle stopped for a traffic violation along with her co-defendant. Both occupants were arrested, and over 15 grams of meth was seized from Valenzuela’s person while being booked into jail. A search of the vehicle also yielded evidence of distribution, including baggies and a digital scale.

A month later, Valenzuela was in a different vehicle, again being driven by her co-defendant, when they were stopped by Blackfeet Law Enforcement Services for a traffic violation. The co-defendant was arrested and had a scale in his pocket. Law enforcement searched the vehicle and seized more than 170 grams of meth in a safe concealed as a book.

The U.S. Attorney’s Office prosecuted the case, with the Blackfeet Law Enforcement Services, FBI, Drug Enforcement Administration, and Glacier County Sheriff’s Office conducting the investigation. The sentencing, which took place on Thursday, marked a significant victory in the ongoing fight against meth trafficking in the region.

Valenzuela pleaded guilty in January to possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine. She will serve three years and six months in prison, followed by five years of supervised release. The case serves as a stark reminder of the dangers of methamphetamine and the importance of holding those responsible accountable.

The Blackfeet Indian Reservation has been plagued by methamphetamine trafficking, with devastating consequences for the community. This sentencing is a step in the right direction, and we hope it will serve as a deterrent to others who would seek to engage in similar activities.

Mandatory Facts:

Defendant: Cynthia Ann Valenzuela

Criminal Charges: Possession with Intent to Distribute Methamphetamine

City and State: Browning, Montana

Exact Date: Spring 2023, April 2023

Sentence: Three years and six months in prison, followed by five years of supervised release

Dollar Amounts: None

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