Recently, two individuals were apprehended as part of a collaborative operation involving multiple law enforcement agencies focused on narcotics.

On October 26, they were brought before the court for arraignment on federal charges related to fentanyl trafficking, according to U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich.

This arrest followed a coordinated takedown on October 12 in Great Falls, during which officers from various federal, state, and local agencies executed warrants and apprehended five individuals.

AUTHORITIES ARREST 10 PEOPLE INVOLVED WITH GREAT FALLS DRUG RING Read Here

The two defendants who appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge John T. Johnston pleaded not guilty. They are:

  • Nicholas Cocklin, 28, from Great Falls, facing charges including conspiracy to distribute fentanyl, possession with intent to distribute fentanyl, and distribution of fentanyl. If convicted of the most serious offense, Cocklin could potentially serve a maximum of 20 years in prison, be fined up to $1 million, and undergo at least three years of supervised release. Cocklin was taken into custody on October 21 and is detained pending further legal proceedings.
  • Courtney Price, 27, from Great Falls, who is charged with conspiracy to distribute controlled substances and possession with intent to distribute controlled substances. Similar to Cocklin, Price could face a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison, a fine of $1 million, and a minimum of three years of supervised release if convicted of the most serious crime. Price was arrested on October 19 and is also being held in custody pending further proceedings.

Please note that the charging documents serve as accusations, and defendants are considered innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.

Furthermore, co-defendants or individuals in associated cases who have been previously arraigned and are awaiting trial include Alanna Corcoran, Natalie Crawford, Michael McIntire, and Terry McIntire, all hailing from Great Falls, and Paul Regimbal from Fort Benton.

Top 6 Most Used Drugs In Montana

Drug use is on the rise throughout the United States and we see it more and more here in Montana.

You would think Marijuana would be number one, but considering it is now legal, the arrests are far fewer than they have been in the past years.

Here are the Top 6 Most Used Drugs In Montana.

Gallery Credit: megan shaul

Fighting Fentanyl: Important Arrests Made Across Acadiana in 2022

The fight against fentanyl is a daunting one as the highly potent drug continues to take lives every day across the country. From Lafayette to the surrounding areas, law enforcement agencies have their hands full as they fight to get fentanyl off their respective streets.

Let's take a look back at headline-catching cases involving fentanyl in 2022.

Idaho Fentanyl Deaths Quadruple Since Lockdowns Began

Gallery Credit: Hannah Shippen, Townsquare Media