U.S. Attorney Jesse A. Laslovich | U.S. Department of Justice
U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich announced the outcome of a six-month enforcement initiative targeting drug trafficking on the Blackfeet Indian Reservation. This operation, led by the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) with support from federal, tribal, and local law enforcement agencies, resulted in multiple indictments.
The initiative was discussed during a press conference at the Blackfeet Tribal Business Council offices in Browning. The DEA-led action is part of Operation Overdrive, which focuses on addressing drug-related violent crime and overdose deaths by concentrating resources on communities most affected by criminal drug organizations.
“Our office is well aware that the scourge of methamphetamine and fentanyl trafficking is devastating to Montana communities and disproportionally harming Indian Country, including the Blackfeet Nation," said U.S. Attorney Laslovich. He emphasized that such operations help remove violent drug dealers from the streets and convey that traffickers have no safe haven on Montana’s Indian reservations.
DEA Rocky Mountain Field Division Special Agent in Charge Jonathan Pullen added, “DEA’s Operation Overdrive shows our commitment to areas of the country experiencing high drug cartel activity.” He thanked all involved parties for their dedication in bringing criminals to justice.
From May to October, this initiative led to 11 individuals being indicted on various federal charges related to methamphetamine and fentanyl distribution as well as firearms offenses. Agencies assisting in this effort included Blackfeet Law Enforcement Services, Bureau of Indian Affairs, Glacier County Sheriff’s Office, and FBI.
