Major Drug-Related Arrests in Montana’s Blackfeet Reservation

Missoula, MT (KGVO-AM News) - Montana’s U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich held a press conference on the Blackfeet Reservation on Thursday, in conjunction with the Blackfeet Law Enforcement Services, the Bureau of Indian Affairs, and the DEA (Drug Enforcement Administration) to announce a number of major drug-related arrests.

Laslovich opened the press conference by explaining the depth of damage that drugs have done to the Indian nations in Montana.

U.S. Attorney Laslovich Was on the Blackfeet Reservation for a Press Conference

“The office I am privileged to lead is responsible for prosecuting major crimes that occur on six of our seven Indian reservations, including, of course, the Blackfeet Indian Reservation,” began Laslovich. “These crimes include violent crimes, such as assaults resulting in serious or substantial bodily injuries, murder, sex abuse, crimes against children, firearms, crimes and drug trafficking.”

Laslovich gave kudos to DEA Special Agent David Olesky for his leadership in the investigation.

“My thanks go to the Drug Enforcement Administration's Assistant Special Agent in Charge for the Rocky Mountain field division, Dave Olesky, who is the sole reason we are gathered today,” he said. “He saw the need. He got the additional resources; and the indictments we're announcing today are the result of his leadership and his foresight. I have been lucky to work and serve with him.”

The Six Month Investigation Led to 11 Federal Indictments

Laslovich provided more specific details of the investigation.

“I'm pleased to announce that after conducting a six-month law enforcement initiative on the Blackfeet Indian Reservation, we have arrested a number of individuals for drug trafficking and specifically indicted 11 of them on federal drug trafficking charges,” he said. “As of today, there's more to come, and very soon, those people will also be indicted.”

Laslovich said the cruelest aspects of drug crimes are how they affect not only those who consume them but the entire Blackfeet Reservation community.

The Charges Include Drug and Firearm Possession Crimes

“Our indictments primarily address firearms crimes and trafficking of methamphetamine and fentanyl,” he said. “The Justice Department of which I am a part, is well aware that the scourge of methamphetamine and fentanyl trafficking is devastating to Montana communities and disproportionately harms Indian country, including the Blackfeet Nation. Drug traffickers attempt to move into reservations and enlist residents to deal drugs and collect the proceeds.”

The Blackfeet Reservation is located in northwest Montana, on the eastern slopes of the Rocky Mountains and is bordered by Glacier National Park to the west and Canada to the north. It's primarily in Glacier County, with a small portion in Pondera County.