Montana Sees Drop in Fentanyl Seizures, Rise in Felony Drug Arrests in 2024

While fentanyl seizures in Montana declined in 2024, law enforcement agencies saw an increase in felony drug-related arrests and other drug seizures, including methamphetamine, cocaine, and heroin, according to Attorney General Austin Knudsen.

The latest data from the Rocky Mountain High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area (RMHIDTA) task forces show a 31% decrease in fentanyl seizures compared to 2023, with 275,091 dosage units confiscated last year, down from 398,632. However, fentanyl seizures remain significantly higher than in previous years—up 46% from 2022 and 354% from 2021.

Meanwhile, seizures of other illicit drugs surged. Methamphetamine seizures rose by 37%, from 211 pounds to 304 pounds. Cocaine seizures increased by 65%, from 41.31 pounds to 68.04 pounds, while heroin seizures spiked dramatically—up 1,649%—due to a major single seizure, jumping from .73 pounds in 2023 to 12.77 pounds last year.

Felony drug-related arrests also climbed, with RMHIDTA task forces making 551 felony arrests in 2024, a 36% increase from the 406 recorded in 2023. This marks a 25% rise compared to 2021 and 2022. Among those arrested were members of major Mexican drug cartels, including the Sinaloa Cartel and Cartel Jalisco Nueva Generación. Authorities also investigated 58 drug trafficking organizations, successfully disrupting or dismantling 67% of them.

“These numbers show that while fentanyl seizures have declined, drug trafficking remains a serious threat to Montana communities,” said Attorney General Knudsen. “Our law enforcement officers continue to make record-breaking seizures of meth, cocaine, and heroin, and we won’t let up in this fight. The war has not been won, but we’re making progress in keeping these dangerous drugs off our streets.”

In addition to law enforcement efforts, the Montana Department of Justice, under Knudsen’s leadership, has expanded initiatives to combat drug-related fatalities. The State Crime Lab has preliminarily reported 55 overdose deaths linked to fentanyl in 2024, down from 80 in 2023. These figures reflect only cases involving autopsies and do not represent the total number of fentanyl-related deaths statewide.

Knudsen has also taken steps to address the crisis through policy and partnerships. Earlier this year, he signed an agreement with the Trump Administration allowing Montana Highway Patrol troopers and Division of Criminal Investigation agents to assist with immigration enforcement and deportation efforts. He is also backing Senate Bill 261, which would allow prosecutors to charge adults with child endangerment if they are found in possession of fentanyl, heroin, cocaine, or other dangerous drugs while a child is present.

To further combat the opioid epidemic, the Department of Justice has distributed life-saving opioid reversal kits to middle and high schools across the state. Montana Highway Patrol conducted multiple high-profile drug operations in 2024, including in Butte and Superior, leading to the seizure of more than 3,000 fentanyl pills, 114 grams of fentanyl powder, 37 pounds of methamphetamine, and the arrest of 15 fugitives.

Despite the drop in fentanyl seizures, officials warn that the fight against illicit drugs in Montana is far from over. “As President Trump and his Administration work to secure the southern border, I’m hopeful we’ll see even greater declines in fentanyl and other dangerous drugs flowing into our state,” Knudsen said.