Missoula Drug Task Force Provides 2022 Seizure Numbers

Missoula, MT (KGVO-AM News) - On October 18, 2022, the Missoula Police Department and the Missoula County Sheriff’s Office highlighted the recent number of drug seizures collected by the Missoula High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area (HIDTA).

As a HIDTA task force, the Missoula Drug Task Force works to dismantle drug trafficking organizations operating in western Montana. Public Information Officer Jeannette Smith explains. 

“The Missoula Drug Task Force is comprised of members from the Missoula Police Department, Missoula County Sheriff’s Office, Montana Department of Criminal Investigation, DEA, ATF, and HSI,” Smith said. “The MDTF is tasked with identifying, apprehending, and convicting all levels of drug traffickers, with emphasis on methamphetamine, cocaine, and heroin distribution organizations. The MDTF works cooperative investigations with federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies throughout the state and beyond, as well as with state and federal prosecutors.” 

That is a lot of drugs

In the past three months, according to our MDTF, there have been 18 felony arrests related to meth and/or fentanyl and six firearms have been seized. In addition, 357 grams of meth, 850 grams of cocaine, and 250 dosage units of fentanyl have been seized. Smith provided some of the yearly statistics. 

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“Thus far in 2022, these collaborative investigations have enabled the Task Force to make 53 felony drug arrests and to seize nearly 50 pounds of methamphetamine, approximately 4.7 pounds of cocaine, 7,005 suspected dosage units of fentanyl, and almost 2.5 pounds of heroin," Smith said. "Task Force Officers are relentless in their pursuit to reduce the prevalence of illicit drugs in western Montana.” 

Police Public Information Officer Lydia Arnold said they will continue to track these numbers throughout the year and will make them available to the public.