Cracking down on trafficking

A multi-agency task force whose goal is to crack down on the transportation of illegal drugs was stationed on Fourth of July Pass on Friday.

Kootenai County Sheriff's Office Major Ben Wolfinger said the operation involved numerous officers and K9 units. Eastbound drivers on Interstate 90 "violating traffic law" such as speeding, failure to signal or littering, were pulled over.

During the stop, a drug dog was walked by its handler around the car.

"If it hits, it gives us probable cause to check the vehicle," Wolfinger said.

He said the operation started six weeks ago and has been set up throughout the county at major arterials.

"It's part of our ongoing enforcement," he said.

Drug traffickers are continuing to transport drugs via highways and interstates. In North Idaho, Interstate 90 runs east and west, while U.S. 95 runs north and south. Both are believed to be frequented by those transporting illegal drugs.

"We know there's a huge problem," Wolfinger said. "We see it all over the country. People haul drugs on major arterials."

Since the sting began, there have been several arrests and citations.

He said officers have the training, the expertise and the trained K9s, so agencies are utilizing their resources as best they can to fight drug distribution.

"We're trying to be proactive," Wolfinger said.

The task force included Idaho State Patrol, KCSO, Coeur d'Alene police and the Forest Service.