Deputies with the Shoshone County Sheriff’s Office recently executed two search warrants in Kellogg, resulting in the arrests of two individuals.

Joshua Hopper, 50, was arrested last week at a residence on Mission Avenue. Deputies discovered thousands of dollars’ worth of methamphetamine — both in bulk and individual quantities — as well as multiple firearms. 

Hopper, who previously pleaded guilty to felony drug charges, now faces seven felony counts: four for unlawful possession of a firearm, two for possession of a controlled substance and one for trafficking methamphetamine. 

Each firearm charge carries a potential five-year sentence, while the controlled substance charges could result in up to seven years each. The trafficking charge includes a mandatory minimum of five years and a maximum of life imprisonment. 

Gary Lunsford, 54, was arrested Wednesday at an apartment on East Portland Avenue. According to police, he was found with a large amount of methamphetamine — enough to warrant a felony charge of possession with intent to deliver, but not enough for trafficking. He also faces two misdemeanor charges: frequenting a place where drugs are used or distributed, and possession of drug paraphernalia. 

SCSO Capt. Seth Green said the department has made progress in reducing drug activity.

“We've seen a decline in fentanyl cases since we took a proactive approach,” Green said. “But now we're seeing a slight increase in methamphetamine in the valley.”