Truck Stop Tip Leads To Massive Montana Drug Seizure

Weigh Station Tip Leads to Major Montana Drug Bust

Unless they're driving an unmarked vehicle, it's usually pretty easy to spot a sheriff's deputy, police officer, or Montana Highway Patrol trooper.

There is another group of law enforcement officers out there, though, that likes to call themselves Montana's "best-kept secret".

What Does Montana Motor Carrier Services Actually Do?

If you've spent any time driving Montana highways, you've probably passed a weigh station or two.

Those stations are operated by the Montana Department of Transportation's Motor Carrier Services Division, but their job goes far beyond weighing trucks.

A recent report from KXLF highlighted just how important these officers can be when it comes to keeping drugs out of our communities.

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Investigation Results in Multiple Arrests Near Dillon

In late May, a truck driver passed along a tip at a weigh station near Lima. That information eventually led authorities to Dillon, where more than 100 pounds of illegal drugs were seized.

This tip led to the arrest of three individuals who were allegedly drying and grinding poppies in the basement of their business and selling the product to truck drivers passing through the area.

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Drug Seizure Highlights Their Role in Public Safety

What many people don't realize is that Motor Carrier Services officers are fully sworn law enforcement officers.

Their primary job is enforcing state and federal regulations on commercial vehicles, but those inspections often uncover much more than paperwork violations. Officers regularly come across illegal drugs, stolen property, wanted suspects, and other criminal activity.

That's exactly what happened in this case.

It just goes to show that while these officers don't get nearly as much attention as other law enforcement agencies, they're playing a major role in keeping Montana communities safe every single day.

Source: KXLF