Governor Greg Gianforte met with law enforcement officers on the Missouri River Drug Task Force in Livingston on April 15 to discuss their ongoing efforts to identify, target, and dismantle drug trafficking organizations in Montana.
The meeting focused on the importance of coordinated action against illicit drug activity across the state. The task force brings together local, state, and federal agencies to address drug-related crime and its impact on communities.
“During the Biden administration, illicit drugs flooded over our northern and southern borders,” Gov. Gianforte said. “The officers serving on the Missouri River Drug Task Force are keeping our communities safe serving as the boots on the ground and bridging the gap between local, state, and federal law enforcement operations.”
Commander Brian Taylor of the Gallatin County Sheriff’s Office also spoke about the significance of collaboration among agencies. “I want to thank Governor Gianforte for his work to support our efforts in the state,” Taylor said. “This task force is a vital resource for local law enforcement agencies to collaborate and ensure Montana streets are safe. Nearly every Montanan is directly or indirectly effected by drug abuse, I’m proud of this task force in doing their part to protect our communities.”
The Missouri River Drug Task Force includes participation from several agencies such as Homeland Security, FBI, DEA, Montana Department of Justice, county sheriff’s offices from Lewis and Clark, Gallatin, Park counties; Bozeman Police Department; Belgrade Police Department; and Montana State University Police Department. The group uses undercover surveillance operations, evidence purchases, electronic surveillance methods, and long-term investigations targeting criminal organizations involved in drug-related violence and trafficking.
Methamphetamine remains a primary concern for MRDTF operations—90% of community tips relate to meth activities—but heroin, synthetic opioids like fentanyl, and cocaine are also addressed by ongoing investigations. The task force encourages public involvement through confidential online tip submissions regarding suspicious activity related to drugs.
In recent years Governor Gianforte worked with lawmakers to increase penalties for drug trafficking offenses including mandatory minimum sentences for fentanyl trafficking convictions. He also introduced initiatives such as the HEART Fund which invests $25 million annually into behavioral health programs statewide. In addition he secured $300 million for expanding behavioral health care services across Montana.
