Skip to Content

U.S. Attorney Josh Hurwit announces one of the largest investigations of drug distribution in state history

By Christinna Bautista

Click here for updates on this story

    BOISE, Idaho (KIVI) — It’s one of the largest drug crackdowns Idaho has ever seen.

Today, U.S. Attorney Josh Hurwit, along with federal, state, and local agencies announced the results of one of the largest investigations of Methamphetamine and Fentanyl distribution in state history.

Local agencies recognized Idaho as being an ideal distribution location for drug dealers, saying that now, more than ever before, and due to the number of highways that lead to our cities, both users and dealers of drugs are here in Idaho.

“These overlapping investigations resulted in 18 indictments of 25 individuals involved in drug trafficking and firearm offenses in southwestern Idaho,” said Hurwit.

Two large-scale organized crime and drug enforcement task forces were dedicated to this operation.

During these investigations, law enforcement seized approximately 98 pounds of Methamphetamine, 21 Fentanyl pills, 531 grams of Fentanyl powder, 38 firearms, 3 bulletproof vests, and more than $121,615 U.S. dollars.

“Having these illicit drugs removed off the street has made this community safer. We all know that drugs and violence go together, that they go hand in hand,” said Shohini Sinha, a Special Agent with the FBI.

It is believed that several of those arrested are associated with local street gangs that have ties to the Jalisco Nuevo Generation Cartel.

“This threat, as I have said before, is real. It is not imagined. Your kids, your family members are at risk because of the criminality,” said Canyon County Sheriff Kieran Donahue.

As for the leads to this case, officials say these big operations can get started with something as simple as pulling over an individual that provides a tip to something much larger. This, in addition to the high-density drug trafficking area running from Portland to Pocatello, allows those drug task forces to bring in information.

Please note: This content carries a strict local market embargo. If you share the same market as the contributor of this article, you may not use it on any platform.

Article Topic Follows: CNN - Regional

Jump to comments ↓

CNN Newsource

BE PART OF THE CONVERSATION

KTVZ NewsChannel 21 is committed to providing a forum for civil and constructive conversation.

Please keep your comments respectful and relevant. You can review our Community Guidelines by clicking here

If you would like to share a story idea, please submit it here.

Skip to content