Drug bust spans two states

The Daily Inter Lake

A months-long undercover drug operation that spanned two states has resulted in four arrests, the Northwest Drug Task Force said last week.

The multi-agency investigation ended in the seizure of more than 1.5 pounds of cocaine and 20 firearms.

While working a prescription drug case in July, Flathead County Sheriff's detectives received information about a man selling large amounts of cocaine in the Kalispell area.

The Northwest Drug Task Force began an undercover operation that led officers to suppliers bringing weapons and drugs into the Kalispell area from Utah.

In September, the Flathead County Sheriff's Office SWAT team executed a search warrant on a Marion home and arrested the owner for drug distribution and receiving stolen weapons. Weapons, cocaine and a large amount of cash were seized.

A few days later, task-force officers assisted in a buy/bust operation in Midvale, Utah. One suspect was arrested and charged with distribution of dangerous drugs. About 1.5 pounds of cocaine were seized from that suspect's vehicle.

That same week, the Midvale and Murray, Utah, SWAT teams raided a house in the Salt Lake City area and arrested two people for possessing and transporting stolen weapons, possessing and transporting stolen vehicles, eluding officers and multiple counts of drug possession.

The pair, both convicted felons, face more than 30 charges in state and federal courts.

During the bust, officers seized 20 firearms, methamphetamine, marijuana and prescription drugs. Eleven of the recovered firearms were found to have been stolen.

Investigators declined to release names and specific locations. The investigation is ongoing.