The Paul Bunyan Drug Task Force recently issued its year-end totals for drug-related activity in the area.
The Task Force is a collaborative effort on behalf of Beltrami County, the City of Bemidji, the Bureau of Indian Affairs, Cass County, Hubbard County, the City of International Falls, Koochiching County, Leech Lake Reservation, Mahnomen County, the City of Park Rapids and the White Earth Nation.
Twenty-three were arrested in 2019 for first degree drug offenses, nine for second degree, 21 for third degree, two for fourth degree and 96 were arrested for fifth degree drug crimes.
Four were indicted in the federal courts.
Narcotics seized and purchased by the Task Force included: 17.5 pounds of methamphetamine, with a street value of $674,000; two pounds of heroin/fentanyl, with a street value of $222,000; and 134 grams of cocaine, with a street value of $12,800.
Forty-six children were removed from endangerment in these arrests and seizures last year, and 162 weapons were also seized.
