Major Drug Bust in Montana: Pounds of Drugs, Illicit Money, and 39 Arrests

Missoula, MT (KGVO-AM News) – On October 16, 2025, at around 11:05 AM, the Montana Department of Justice announced that the Montana Highway Patrol (MHP) had a successful interdiction operation. According to Col. Kurt Sager, MHP troopers conducted an interdiction operation in Butte from October 7-14 to combat crime and remove illicit drugs from the community.   

During the operation, troopers worked alongside United States Border Patrol and Air National Guard Counterdrug aviation, seizing nearly 25 grams of fentanyl powder, 11 pounds of methamphetamine, 260 pounds of marijuana, over $75,000 of illicit money, and made 39 arrests.  

“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,” said Sager. “We couldn’t do it without the help of our partner agencies.” 

Additionally, last weekend, MHP’s Strategic Enforcement Traffic Team (SETT) was in Missoula to crack down on drunk and drugged drivers. During that operation, troopers made 260 traffic stops, made 39 arrests, issued 63 speeding violations, and issued 26 seatbelt tickets. 

On National Fentanyl Prevention and Awareness Day, less than two months ago, Attorney General Austin Knudsen warned Montanans of the dangers of illicit fentanyl. 

“So far this year, fentanyl seizures in Montana are down, and that’s great news,” Knudsen said. “However, we can’t get complacent. Still, too many Montanans are dying of fentanyl overdoses. I will continue to do everything I can at the Montana Department of Justice, working with local and federal law enforcement, to get this poison off the streets and hold drug traffickers accountable.” 

READ MORE: Decline In Fentanyl Seizures: What It Means For Montana

Knudsen encouraged every Montanan to join them in their effort to combat the fentanyl crisis. 

“Educate yourself and your friends and family on the dangers of fentanyl and never take a pill that isn’t prescribed to you,” Knudsen said.