HELENA, Mont. — Authorities in Montana seized less fentanyl but made more drug-related felony arrests in 2024 compared to the previous year, according to Attorney General Austin Knudsen.
The Rocky Mountain High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area (RMHIDTA) reported seizing 275,091 dosage units of fentanyl in 2024, a 31% decrease from the 398,632 units seized in 2023.
While fentanyl seizures declined, other drug confiscations saw significant increases:
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Methamphetamine seizures rose 37%, from 211 pounds in 2023 to 304 pounds in 2024.
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Cocaine seizures surged 65%, increasing from 41.31 pounds to 68.04 pounds.
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Heroin seizures skyrocketed 1,649%, jumping from 0.73 pounds to 12.77 pounds, largely due to one major bust.
RMHIDTA task forces also made 551 felony arrests in 2024, a 36% increase from the 406 arrests in 2023.
Cracking Down on Drug Trafficking
Montana law enforcement intensified efforts to combat drug trafficking, including arrests of Mexican cartel members linked to the Sinaloa Cartel and Cartel Jalisco Nueva Generacion. Of the 58 drug trafficking organizations investigated last year, 67% were either significantly disrupted or dismantled.
The RMHIDTA’s six Montana task forces, which include agents from the Montana Department of Justice’s narcotics bureau and Montana Highway Patrol (MHP) criminal interdiction teams, provided these statistics. However, the numbers do not represent all drug seizures statewide but help illustrate broader trends.
Attorney General Knudsen’s Response
“Fentanyl seizures appear to be declining in Montana, and that’s welcome news. However, it remains a serious issue, costing lives across our state,” Attorney General Knudsen stated. “Meanwhile, authorities seized more cocaine, meth, and heroin than the previous year. The fight isn’t over, and Montana law enforcement will continue working tirelessly to remove illicit drugs from our streets and protect lives.”
Knudsen expressed optimism that efforts to secure the southern border under former President Donald Trump’s administration could further reduce the flow of fentanyl and other dangerous drugs into Montana.
Fentanyl-Linked Deaths Drop
Fentanyl-related deaths also decreased in 2024. The State Crime Lab reported a preliminary total of 55 overdose deaths linked to fentanyl, down from 80 deaths in 2023. This number does not reflect the entire state, as the lab only verifies cases requiring autopsies.
Ongoing Efforts to Combat the Drug Crisis
Attorney General Knudsen has been at the forefront of Montana’s battle against drug trafficking. In 2024, he:
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Signed an agreement with the Trump Administration, allowing MHP troopers and Division of Criminal Investigation agents to assist with immigration enforcement and deportation efforts in Montana.
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Backed Senate Bill 261, which would allow prosecutors to charge adults with child endangerment if found in possession of fentanyl, heroin, cocaine, or other dangerous drugs while a child is present.
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Expanded access to life-saving opioid reversal kits in middle and high schools across Montana.
Additionally, MHP conducted several operations, including raids in Butte and Superior, leading to the seizure of:
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More than 3,000 fentanyl pills
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114 grams of fentanyl powder
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37 pounds of meth
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The arrest of 15 fugitives
Montana continues to grapple with the drug crisis, but law enforcement remains committed to cracking down on traffickers and preventing dangerous substances from spreading across the state.
