Fentanyl Seizures Fall, Drug Arrests and Other Seizures Rise in Montana

HELENA — Montana law enforcement seized fewer fentanyl pills but made significantly more drug-related felony arrests in 2024, including arrests tied to Mexican drug cartels, according to new data released by Attorney General Austin Knudsen.

Task forces within the Rocky Mountain High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area (RMHIDTA) seized 275,091 dosage units of fentanyl in 2024 — a 31% decrease from the 398,632 units seized in 2023. While the decline may reflect reduced availability or trafficking shifts, fentanyl seizures remain 46% higher than in 2022 and 354% higher than in 2021.

The task forces are part of RMHIDTA, a federally supported initiative that coordinates training, intelligence, and enforcement across Montana, Colorado, Utah, and Wyoming.

Meanwhile, seizures of other drugs surged. Methamphetamine seizures rose 37% to 304 pounds, cocaine increased 65% to 68 pounds, and heroin seizures skyrocketed by more than 1,600% after a major bust. The uptick in non-fentanyl drug seizures — alongside a 36% increase in felony arrests — points to intensified enforcement efforts across the state.

Authorities made 551 felony arrests last year, up from 406 in 2023. Among those arrested were members of major Mexican drug cartels, including the Sinaloa Cartel and Cartel Jalisco Nueva Generación. Of the 58 drug trafficking organizations investigated, 67% were either significantly disrupted or dismantled.

“These numbers show that while fentanyl seizures are down, the threat remains — and other drug threats are on the rise,” Knudsen said. “The war has not been won, and I’m confident Montana law enforcement will stay vigilant.”

Knudsen linked the ongoing drug crisis to the southern border and expressed hope that action taken by President Donald Trump and his administration would reduce the flow of fentanyl and other drugs into Montana.

Fentanyl-related overdose deaths also declined. The State Crime Lab has preliminarily reported 55 fentanyl-linked deaths in 2024, compared to 80 in 2023. The number reflects only autopsied cases and may not represent the full statewide total.

Knudsen highlighted continued initiatives under his office, including distributing opioid reversal kits to schools and expanding immigration enforcement authority through a new agreement with the Trump Administration. He also supports Senate Bill 261, which would criminalize drug possession near children.

In 2024, the Montana Highway Patrol conducted multiple operations — including in Butte and Superior — seizing over 3,000 fentanyl pills, 114 grams of fentanyl powder, 37 pounds of methamphetamine, and arresting 15 fugitives.

In a recent Missoula operation, local deputies and detectives joined HIDTA task force agents to serve a warrant at a residence on Cowper Street. Hazardous materials were located at the scene, but officials said there was no danger to the public or nearby residents. The investigation remains active, and no arrests had been made as of the initial report.