Enforcement operation disrupts highway drug transport

As part of Gov. Brad Little's anti-drug operation "Esto Perpetua," the Idaho State Police Domestic Highway Enforcement Team recently performed an enforcement operation in North Idaho to interdict illegal narcotics being transported through Idaho. 

“ISP is extremely proud of the collaborative efforts with outstanding agencies for this enforcement operation. The emphasis on illegal substance interdiction is essential for enhancing public health, ensuring community safety, protecting youth, and mitigating drug-related crimes,” said a news release. “By disrupting the networking fueled by drug trafficking and illicit practices, law enforcement plays a pivotal role in fostering a more secure and stable society. ISP is dedicated to establishing an environment free of illicit activity and harmful practices, ensuring the creation of safe and protected communities.”

The enforcement team comprises 14 members, including seven canine handlers, spread throughout the state using the latest intervention techniques to combat emerging criminal trends.

In this operation, the Domestic Highway Enforcement Team partnered with ISP's District 1 Investigative Unit, U.S. Customs and Border Patrol, Rathdrum Police Department, Probation and Parole from the Idaho Department of Corrections, and the Bureau of Indian Affairs for the following:

• Contacts/traffic stops: 99

• Misdemeanor drug charges: 50

• Drug cases: 21

• Felony drug charges: 14

• Methamphetamine cases: 8

• Trafficking or delivery cases: 5

• Fentanyl cases: 4

•  Felony endangerment to child charges: 2

• Provided or possessed false identity charges: 2

• Warrant arrests: 2

• Open container of alcohol charges: 2

• Felony charge for failing to register as a sex offender: 1

Several notable incidents:

• 1.4 pounds of methamphetamine seized.

• 300 fentanyl pills and a small amount of methamphetamine discovered.

• Nearly 2 ounces of methamphetamine hidden within the vehicle.

• Multiple baggies of methamphetamine intended for sale seized in Shoshone County.

• During one traffic stop, two young children were taken into protective custody when their parents were found to possess a large amount of fentanyl. The children hadn't eaten in 24 hours and were sitting among illegal drugs inside the vehicle. The Domestic Highway Enforcement Team worked with Child Protective Services to get care for the children.

The DHE Team is a multi-jurisdictional narcotics task force that identifies, disrupts, and dismantles local, multi-state, and international drug trafficking organizations using an intelligence-driven, multi-agency, prosecutor-supported approach. The Team is supported by the Oregon-Idaho High-Intensity Drug Trafficking Area program, also composed of members from the Idaho State Police, which is an Office of National Drug Control Policy sponsored counterdrug grant program that coordinates with and provides funding resources to multi-agency drug enforcement initiatives.