Efforts by the Mineral County Sheriff's Office to take a bite out drug trafficking in the region have made strides recently, according to Sheriff Ryan Funke.

“So, when I took office, I vowed to work on the drug problem,” shared Funke. “I signed multiple MOU’s (Memorandum of Understanding) with the Missoula Drug Task Force and the Northwest Drug Task Force. They assist with drug stops and cases in the county. The Montana Highway Patrol Criminal Interdiction Team frequently works in Mineral County, as we are the gateway for a lot of drugs on I-90 eastbound. I’ve also had a DCI agent working closely with our office.  

“We are doing everything we can with the drug problem in this county.” 

And Sheriff Funke and his deputies hit paydirt. 

“During this past week, several agencies came together and conducted a drug interdiction in Mineral County. With a lot of hard work and several tips from community members, a lot of drugs were taking off the streets to make Mineral County and Montana a safer place,” he stated. 

The totals: Meth - 18.3 lbs; Fentanyl Pills - 824 pills; Fentanyl Powder - 2 grams; Cocaine - 6.5 oz; Heroine - 2 grams; Marijuana - 42 grams; Shrooms - 66 grams; DUI - 1; Fugitives Apprehended - 4; Illegal Guns - 4; Stolen Vehicles - 1; USD - $1,200; Counterfeit USD - $34,000; Deportations - 1.