Multiple Indictments in Meth, Fentanyl Trafficking, Montana 2024
BROWNING, Montana - In a major blow to the opioid epidemic, multiple individuals have been indicted for their roles in a meth and fentanyl trafficking ring on the Blackfeet Indian Reservation in Montana.
A six-month-long enforcement initiative led by the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), in cooperation with federal, tribal, and local enforcement, resulted in the indictments of 11 individuals on various federal drug crimes, primarily involving methamphetamine and fentanyl, and firearms crimes.
U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich, for the District of Montana, announced the indictments during a press conference at the Blackfeet Tribal Business Council offices in Browning. Laslovich was joined by representatives from the DEA, Blackfeet Law Enforcement Services, and the Bureau of Indian Affairs.
The DEA-led enforcement action was initiated under its Operation Overdrive, which aims to combat rising rates of drug-related violent crime and overdose deaths plaguing American communities. The initiative identifies hot spots to devote its law enforcement resources to communities where criminal drug organizations or networks are causing the most harm.
“Our office is well aware that the scourge of methamphetamine and fentanyl trafficking is devastating to Montana communities and disproportionately harming Indian Country, including the Blackfeet Nation. Drug traffickers attempt to move into reservations and enlist residents to deal drugs and collect the proceeds. Focused enforcement actions, like this operation on the Blackfeet Reservation, not only get violent drug dealers and suppliers off the street, but also send the message that traffickers have no safe place on Montana’s Indian reservations,” Laslovich said.
The DEA initiative on the Blackfeet Reservation ran from approximately May to October and has resulted so far in the indictments of 11 individuals, including:
Multiple Defendants, Various Federal Drug Crimes, Browning, Montana, 2024
Defendants: Multiple individuals (names not provided)
Criminal Charges: Various federal drug crimes, primarily involving methamphetamine and fentanyl, and firearms crimes
City and State: Browning, Montana
Date: Indictments announced on [No specific date provided]
Outcome: Indicted; no further information available
Assisting the DEA in the enforcement action were Blackfeet Law Enforcement Services, the Bureau of Indian Affairs, Glacier County Sheriff’s Office, and the FBI.
Key Facts
- State: Montana
- Category: Drug Trafficking
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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