Idaho U.S. Attorney targets fentanyl trafficking in North Idaho and beyond

COEUR D'ALENE, Idaho - The U.S. Attorney's Office in Idaho has a lot on its plate, battling multiple issues threatening public safety statewide.

At the top of the list: cracking down on fentanyl.

"Unfortunately we've seen large amounts of fentanyl in North Idaho," said U.S. Attorney Josh Hurwit, who represents the District of Idaho. "We're seeing thousands of pills. Tens of thousands of pills sometimes."

Hurwit said that is because dealers exploit the I-90 corridor in North Idaho, trafficking drugs to communities like Coeur d'Alene and nearby states like Montana and the Dakotas.

The seemingly endless battle against the drug, and those who deal it rages on. Idaho State Police and DEA agents are seizing thousands at a time; Hurwit recalled one instance where they banked at least 70,000 pills in a single bust.

The DEA tests the fentanyl pills seized; Huwit says 7 out of 10 pills the DEA examines contain a potentially lethal dose of the drug.

Idaho is leading a nationwide effort on enforcing tougher sanctions for dealers, particularly in cases that result in death.

"The penalties are really high," Hurwit said. "It's a 20 year mandatory minimum in federal prison. We use that statute regularly when the situation justifies it."

Hurwit said often times, traffickers are willing to give up names of others in the business in exchange for a lesser sentence. This allows agencies like the DEA to work its way up the chain and eventually cut off distribution at the source.

The threat of tougher sanctions coupled with more resources for rural police departments and more addiction services is showing signs that the tide could turn soon.

It's a slow and challenging fight, but one Hurwit believes is taking a positive turn.

Combating extremism and child exploitation are also on the DOJ's radar, both of which flourish through social media. Another reminder, Hurwit said, for parents to stay present for what's on their child's phone.

"If you're a parent and your kid has an electronic device, make sure you have access to it and know exactly how your kid is using the internet and social media," Hurwit said.

The state is also investing more resources into assisting indigenous communities, where crime-solving resources are razor-thin.

A major component of that, Hurwit says, is re-establishing trust between those communities and government officials.

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