A roundtable in Helena on Tuesday focused on the issues facing federal and state law enforcement officials.
One of the main issues was illegal drugs such as methamphetamine, prescription pills, and heroin.
Congressman Greg Gianforte and Attorney General Tim Fox hosted the discussion, which included representatives from the Montana Highway Patrol and the Division of Criminal Investigation.
Much of the conversation focused on meth and the methods Mexican drug cartels use to get the drug to Montana.
Officials said it’s going to take a team effort from law enforcement to combat the cartels.
“If we don’t respond the way that we should with one team, one fight, kind of a response, we’re gonna be in trouble, we’re gonna lose this thing,” said Bryan Lockerby with the Montana Division of Criminal Investigation.
Gianforte said it was interesting to see the corridors of the drugs coming from Mexico into Montana’s communities.
According to law enforcement at the discussion, they continue to need more funding – like federal grants – to help fight illegal drugs.
They said resources like treatment court are still limited in the state and kids need more drug education.
