Massive Drug Bust, 41 Deportation Arrests in St. Regis, Montana

When I first saw this headline from a Montana Highway Patrol press release, I thought- big story. When I read the details...wow- even bigger story.

A massive interdiction operation in St. Regis, Montana not only led to a big drug bust, it also led to 41 deportation arrests. I say again- 41 deportation arrests in an operation conducted in St. Regis, Montana.

According to a press release from the Montana Highway Patrol, MHP troopers conducted an interdiction operation in St. Regis from December 7-11 to combat crime and remove illicit drugs from the community.

During the operation, MHP's Criminal Interdiction Team (CIT) and Strategic Enforcement Traffic Team (SETT) worked alongside the United States Border Patrol, the Mineral County Sheriff’s Office, and Air National Guard Counterdrug aviation, seizing over 14 pounds of methamphetamine, nearly 14 pounds of cocaine, 4 grams of fentanyl powder, 118 grams of marijuana, and resulted in 41 deportation arrests. In total, 51 arrests were made during this operation.

Additionally, members of MHP's Criminal Interdiction Team made three deportation arrests and interdicted over 14 pounds of methamphetamine in Billings during this time.

Col. Kurt Sager: “I am proud of the outstanding work that our teams did during this operation to keep drugs and fugitives off our streets. By partnering with local agencies, we continue to keep Montana a safe place for all."

Chief Patrol Agent Jason Liebe of the U.S. Border Patrol Spokane Sector: “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.”