Multi-Agency Butte Drug Operation Seizes 11 Pounds of Meth, $75K in Cash

BUTTE — A week-long multi-agency drug interdiction operation in Butte resulted in major seizures of fentanyl, methamphetamine and marijuana, highlighting the scale of narcotics trafficking through Montana’s interstate corridors.

Montana Highway Patrol troopers, working alongside U.S. Border Patrol and Air National Guard Counterdrug aviation, seized nearly 25 grams of fentanyl powder, 11 pounds of methamphetamine, 260 pounds of marijuana and more than $75,000 in cash during the October 7-14 operation.

The coordinated effort led to 34 arrests as law enforcement targeted Interstate 90 and surrounding areas to combat drug trafficking through the region.

“Montana is no place for illegal activity. I am proud of the work that our troopers do day in and day out to get drugs and criminals off our streets to keep our communities safe. We couldn’t do it without the help of our partner agencies,” said Col. Kurt Sager.

The operation revealed sophisticated smuggling methods, including drugs hidden in modified car audio equipment. Investigators discovered narcotics concealed within custom subwoofer boxes, demonstrating the lengths traffickers go to avoid detection along major transportation routes.

K-9 units played a crucial role in the interdiction efforts, with police dogs helping officers locate hidden contraband during traffic stops along Interstate 15 and other highways in the Butte area.

The seized fentanyl represents a particularly dangerous threat to Montana communities. The synthetic opioid is significantly more potent than heroin and has been linked to a surge in overdose deaths across the state.

Cash seizures totaling more than $75,000 were recovered in bundles of various denominations, indicating the substantial financial scope of the drug trafficking operations targeting the region.

The multi-agency approach combined MHP’s highway patrol capabilities with federal resources, including Border Patrol expertise in drug interdiction and Air National Guard aviation support for enhanced surveillance and coordination.

This operation comes as Montana law enforcement agencies have increased efforts to combat drug trafficking along Interstate 90, a major east-west corridor that has become a significant route for narcotics moving through the northern United States.

The Butte interdiction was part of broader statewide enforcement efforts. During the same period, MHP’s Strategic Enforcement Traffic Team conducted operations in Missoula targeting impaired drivers, making 260 traffic stops and 39 arrests while issuing 63 speeding violations and 26 seatbelt citations.

“Great job to our hardworking troopers helping to remove drugs from our communities,” Montana Highway Patrol posted on social media following the operation.

The 34 arrests from the Butte operation represent individuals facing various drug-related charges, though specific details about the cases were not immediately available. The seized evidence will be processed through the Montana State Crime Lab as cases move forward through the court system.

Law enforcement officials said the operation demonstrates the effectiveness of multi-agency coordination in addressing drug trafficking networks that span state and federal jurisdictions.