Law enforcement agencies in western Montana recently completed a five-day operation along the Interstate 90 corridor near St. Regis, resulting in 51 arrests and significant drug seizures. The operation, which took place from December 7 to December 11, was led by the U.S. Border Patrol’s Spokane Sector and involved multiple federal, state, and local partners.
Of those arrested, 41 individuals were found to be in violation of immigration law. Among them was a person identified as a convicted violent sex offender. Officers also executed 38 interdictions, apprehended fugitives with felony warrants, and recovered a stolen vehicle. The operation included six arrests for driving under the influence and the safe recovery of two missing juveniles from Washington state.
In addition to these actions, agents seized substantial quantities of illegal drugs: 14 pounds each of methamphetamine and cocaine, as well as fentanyl powder and marijuana.
Chief Patrol Agent Jason Liebe of the U.S. Border Patrol’s Spokane Sector stated: “This operation demonstrates the power of collaboration. By combining intelligence, aerial surveillance, and coordinated enforcement, we were able to disrupt criminal activity, recover missing juveniles, and strengthen public safety across western Montana.”
Col. Kurt Sager of the Montana Highway Patrol added: “I am proud of the work that our Criminal Interdiction Team, and Strategic Enforcement Traffic Team did during this operation to keep drugs and fugitives off of our streets. We are proud to work with partnering agencies to keep Montana a safe place for all.”
The effort targeted transnational criminal organizations involved in narcotics trafficking and smuggling along I-90 while also enhancing cooperation among participating agencies.
The U.S. Border Patrol’s Spokane Sector Targeting and Intelligence Division coordinated the initiative with support from Whitefish, Eureka, Bonners Ferry stations, Havre Border Patrol Sector, Montana Highway Patrol Criminal Interdiction Team (MHP-CIT), Mineral County Sheriff’s Office, Strategic Enforcement Traffic Team, and Montana Army National Guard Counterdrug Task Force.
According to U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), it is the largest law enforcement organization in the United States with over 67,000 personnel responsible for border management on land, air, and sea.
