Sheriff Tom Boyer informed the Federal Newswire that his county is witnessing a surge in fentanyl use and distribution, as well as an increase in Mexican cartel activity. Boyer, who oversees the Valley County area in Montana, inclusive of the Fort Peck Indian Reservation, stated that law enforcement faces challenges in combating crime due to insufficient funding and resources, as well as excessive regulations.
"The Fort Peck Reservation is experiencing a marked increase in illegal fentanyl use and distribution, with a growing number of the suppliers being Mexican Cartels," said Boyer.
According to Boyer, there has been a significant rise in drug distribution and activity within his rural jurisdiction in Northeast Montana over recent years. He indicated that fentanyl has now become the primary drug of choice, replacing methamphetamine. The sheriff noted a specific targeting of young girls aged between 12-17 by this potent opioid, which often leads them into prostitution to support their addiction. Concurrently, instances of young girls going missing have escalated, a trend Boyer links to the surge in fentanyl use. With this increase in drug use comes an influx of drug and human traffickers into Montana. "The phenomenon of Montana Native American females going missing has steadily been on the rise over the past several decades," said Boyer. He suggests these women are being exploited by cartels who make "billions" from the sex industry, thereby surpassing drug trade profits within his county.
Boyer asserts that multiple solutions exist for addressing these escalating community issues. While increased funding and personnel will aid efforts, he also highlighted regulatory constraints hampering law enforcement effectiveness. He expressed concern about cartels operating with impunity while disregarding local laws, likening it to "playing basketball with our hands tied behind our back."
Boyer further stated that "cartel-based crimes are becoming increasingly more sophisticated as these organizations work to thwart those efforts which cut into their profit margin."
He proposed that federal, state and local agencies could collaboratively address these problems through "enforcing current laws with stricter sentencing parameters," particularly aimed at deterring repeat offenders. Furthermore, Boyer emphasized the importance of securing the southern border to prevent unchecked influx of unidentified individuals and smuggling of illicit drugs by cartels into the country. He pointed out that rural areas like Valley County, with limited mental health resources, are bearing the brunt of drug influx, particularly fentanyl from the southern border. "The draw on resources, in a rural location like Valley County, continues to plague agencies like mine in the detention center, sworn officer staffing, and adding to the financial burdens within the county," said Boyer.
Boyer is currently serving his second term as sheriff of Valley County, Montana. His extensive training encompasses illegal activities such as drugs and human trafficking, sex crimes and terroristic activity. He has also served as an investigator with an international human trafficking non-governmental organization based in Washington D.C., conducting operations across 15 different foreign countries.
