BILLINGS –Montana is experiencing a major increase in drugs and crime.
Notably, the Montana Department of Justice human trafficking investigators initiated 64 cases in fiscal year 2022, an increase of 300 percent from 16 in the previous fiscal year. Also, law enforcement seizures of dangerous drugs have increased dramatically and are on pace to exceed previous records, including more than 155,000 dosage units of fentanyl and 172 pounds of methamphetamine in the first three quarters of the year.
In response Governor Gianforte has updated his budget to strengthen law enforcement. The Governor’s budget proposal, released last month, includes additional Highway Patrol troopers, investigators, prosecutors, and other support staff at the Montana Department of Justice to fight human trafficking, crack down on drugs, keep roadways safe, and support crime victims.
