Thursday, February 6, 2020

Idaho State Police is partnering with local law enforcement to keep illegal drugs out of communities in Northern Idaho.

IDAHO STATE POLICE NEWS RELEASE - generated by our News Release ListServer
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IDAHO STATE POLICE NEWS RELEASE
District 2 Patrol 2700 North and South Highway Lewiston, ID 83501-1732
(208) 799-5151
Fax (208) 799-5146

For Immediate Release: 01/03/2020 23:15
Please direct questions to the District Office
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Idaho State Police is partnering with local law enforcement to keep illegal drugs out of communities in Northern Idaho.

Earlier this week, ISP Troopers and Detectives, along with officers from the Nez Perce County Sheriff's Office, the Nez Perce Tribal Police, the Lewiston Police Department, and agents from the FBI, conducted a multi-agency emphasis patrol focused on illegal narcotics trafficking in Nez Perce County. The increased enforcement was done as part of an on-going partnership designed to reduce the amount of illegal drugs and other criminal activities in Nez Perce County.

ISP Detective Sergeant Gilbertson said, "We're working together to keep our communities and the families that live in them safe. We want to do our part to keep these dangerous drugs and other criminal activities out of our towns and away from children."

Although Idaho has a low crime rate over-all, illegal narcotics still create challenges in many communities. According to the Idaho Uniform Crime Report, in Nez Perce County in 2018:

Over 600 people were charged with drug or narcotics violations
Statewide the number of people arrested for drug and narcotics violations is up over 9%
In Idaho, a drug or narcotics violation occurs every 37.8 minutes.

Law enforcement officers made over 25 contacts during the emphasis. Sgt Gilbertson explained illegal narcotics trafficking can lead to other criminal activities like human trafficking. "Illegal narcotics ruin people's lives. We're out here to try and prevent that from happening to more people."

During the targeted patrol,
21 people were arrested or charged on drug possession, drug trafficking, or other drug related charges.
4 people were arrested on outstanding warrants.
2 people were arrested for driving under the influence.

ISP plans to continue working with other law enforcement agencies on targeted patrols like this throughout the year.



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