Tacoma Man Sentenced to 4 Years for Fentanyl Trafficking in Missoula

MISSOULA, MT – A 44-year-old Tacoma man has been sentenced to four years in prison for fentanyl trafficking in Missoula, Montana. Dustin William Slaney, 44, pleaded guilty in December 2023 to possession with intent to distribute controlled substances.

U.S. District Judge Dana L. Christensen presided over the case. The government alleged that law enforcement learned from sources that Slaney was a prolific drug dealer in the Missoula area from approximately January 2021 through December 2022. He allegedly brought fentanyl pills from Spokane to Missoula for redistribution.

According to court documents, investigators learned that an individual purchased more than 3,000 fentanyl pills over a 60-day period from Slaney. He was also seen in possession of 10,000 fentanyl pills and a half-pound of methamphetamine. In December 2022, a Montana state search warrant was served on Slaney’s vehicle, resulting in the recovery of fentanyl, meth, heroin, various drug paraphernalia, firearms, and U.S. currency.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Tara J. Elliott prosecuted the case. The FBI’s Montana Regional Violent Crime Task Force and Missoula Police Department conducted the investigation. This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program aimed at reducing violent crime and gun violence in communities.

Slaney’s sentence includes four years in prison, followed by five years of supervised release. The case highlights the ongoing issue of fentanyl trafficking in the Missoula area. Law enforcement agencies continue to work together to combat the problem.

The Department of Justice’s PSN program is focused on fostering trust and legitimacy in communities, supporting community-based organizations, setting focused enforcement priorities, and measuring results. The program aims to make neighborhoods safer for everyone.

The case against Slaney is a prime example of the work being done to combat fentanyl trafficking in Montana. As the state continues to grapple with the issue, law enforcement agencies remain committed to bringing those responsible to justice.