Fentanyl Seizures Drop 31% as MT Drug Arrests Rise

As the battle against drugs in Montana continues, reports indicate that there's been a bit of a shift in drug seizures in 2024.

Law enforcement continues to disrupt criminal networks and curb the flow of dangerous drugs through our communities.

Decline in Fentanyl Seizures

According to the latest figures from the Rocky Mountain High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area (RMHIDTA) there has been a 31% decrease in fentanyl seizures compared to the previous year.

Although fentanyl seizures have declined, the numbers remain higher than in previous years, showing a 46% increase from 2022 and a staggering 354% increase from 2021.

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Surge In Other Drug Seizures

Although fentanyl seizures have seen a bit of a downturn, other dangerous substances are on the rise.

Methamphetamine seizures climbed from 211 pounds to 304, marking a 37% increase.
Cocaine surge by 65% climbing from 41.31 pounds to 68.04 pounds.
Heroin skyrocketed by 1649%.

Rise in Felony Arrests

According to the RMHIDTA task force, there was a 36% increase in felony arrests, totaling 551 in 2024 compared to 406 the previous year.

These arrests included individuals linked to major Mexican drug cartels, such as the Sinaloa Cartel and Cartel Jalisco Nueva Generacion.

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Fentanyl seizures appear to be declining in Montana and that’s welcomed news. However, it’s still a very serious problem and it’s taking the lives of Montanans across the state. And, meanwhile, authorities seized more cocaine, meth, and heroin last year than in the previous year, Attorney General Knudsen said.