WALLACE — A recent two-day drug interdiction operation along Interstate 90 in Shoshone County led to multiple arrests, including several suspects facing felony trafficking charges involving methamphetamine and fentanyl. 

The operation, conducted earlier this month by the Shoshone County Sheriff’s Office and Idaho State Police, targeted activity along a stretch of highway long identified by law enforcement as a major drug-trafficking route in the Inland Northwest. 

“I made it clear, ISP was welcome here to assist us in making Shoshone County a safer place,” Shoshone County Sheriff Shawn Wehr said. “ISP responded with a two-day narcotic interdiction team that resulted in five arrests for trafficking methamphetamine and one arrest for trafficking fentanyl — very successful.” 

Law enforcement officials say Interstate 90 is frequently used to transport drugs from source areas such as Spokane into North Idaho and western Montana, where those drugs are redistributed. 

Among those arrested were Dustin Lee Murray, 51, of Spokane, and Jacob Charles White Hawk, 29, of Billings, Mont., following a traffic stop on Interstate 90. 

According to court documents, troopers observed erratic driving before initiating the stop. A search of the vehicle uncovered 411.3 grams of methamphetamine, along with multiple cellphones and messages referencing the transport of “a pound and a half” of a substance. Murray admitted to facilitating a methamphetamine purchase in Spokane. 

Murray is charged with drug trafficking and criminal conspiracy, both felonies. White Hawk is charged with trafficking and possession of drug paraphernalia. Under Idaho law, trafficking more than 400 grams of methamphetamine carries a mandatory minimum sentence of 15 years in prison and up to life imprisonment. 

In a separate incident, Richard C. Talbot, 41, of New Mexico, was arrested during a traffic stop near Pinehurst. Investigators reported locating methamphetamine, marijuana and drug paraphernalia, along with a firearm. Talbot, a convicted felon, is prohibited from possessing a weapon. 

Talbot faces penalties of up to seven years in prison for drug possession and up to five years for unlawful firearm possession under Idaho law. 

On May 22, Benjamin Joseph Lee, 33, of Missoula, Mont., was arrested after a police K-9 alerted on his vehicle. Authorities said they discovered a concealed magnetic box containing about 22 grams of fentanyl and a smaller amount of methamphetamine. Lee admitted to purchasing fentanyl in Spokane and making regular trips to obtain it. 

He is charged with fentanyl trafficking, possession of a controlled substance and possession of drug paraphernalia. Trafficking at that level carries a mandatory minimum sentence of three years in prison and up to life imprisonment under Idaho law. 

Two additional suspects were also arrested: Amy Marie Castlio, 49, of Thompson Falls, Mont., on a trafficking charge, and Macy Katherine Jore, 45, of Missoula, on drug possession and misdemeanor charges. 

The arrests come as drug-related deaths and trafficking activity continue to rise across Idaho and the region. State data shows 338 people died from drug overdoses in Idaho in 2024, while federal and regional assessments identify fentanyl and methamphetamine as the primary drug threats, contributing to a growing share of overdose deaths. 

Authorities say the arrests highlight ongoing concerns about Interstate 90 as a major drug route. Law enforcement has long identified Interstate 90 and U.S. 95 as key arteries for narcotics moving through the Inland Northwest. 

None of the six people arrested are from Shoshone County or Idaho, a trend officials say has created ongoing challenges for local agencies. 

Many arrests along Interstate 90 involve individuals traveling from other states, often leading to overcrowded jails and increased costs for counties responsible for prosecution. 

Those challenges contributed to the creation of a Special Assistant United States Attorney office in North Idaho, which was developed over the past two years to address trafficking cases moving through the region. 

During the planning process, former U.S. Attorney Joshua Hurwit described the issue, saying: “It’s a problem that’s landed in your community, but it’s not your problem.” 

In April, Julia Zimny was appointed to lead the office, which is based in Coeur d’Alene and operates in partnership with Shoshone County. The position is designed to prosecute trafficking cases tied to Interstate 90 and U.S. 95, shifting larger cases into federal court and easing the burden on local jurisdictions. 

Shoshone County Prosecuting Attorney Ben Allen said the office provides access to federal resources for participating communities, including Shoshone and Latah counties and the cities of Coeur d’Alene, Kellogg, Lewiston, Mullan, Osburn, Pinehurst, Post Falls, Smelterville, Wallace and Wardner. 

Under the agreement, the SAUSA can accept or decline cases submitted by local agencies and may also pursue cases independently. 

Allen said he expects at least one of the recent trafficking arrests to be prosecuted in federal court. He also pointed out how these arrests, coinciding with Zimny's appointment, only further drive home the need for the special prosecutor. 

“By dedicating the resources necessary to detect, investigate and now prosecute those responsible for moving drugs through our communities, we create an environment of deterrence in our region,” Allen previously said.