Multi-agency operation leads to arrests in Gallatin County

In the early morning hours of May 21, search warrants were simultaneously executed at several locations throughout Gallatin County and resulted in the arrest of multiple people on federal charges.

The large-scale, multi-location operation intended to target illegal drug trafficking activity in Gallatin County was undertaken by the Missouri River Drug Task Force, the Gallatin County Sheriff’s Office, Bozeman Police Department, Montana Department of Criminal Investigation, the Drug Enforcement Administration, the U.S. Attorney’s Office, and other local, state and federal agencies.

"This operation reflects the strong partnerships between local, state, and federal agencies working together to disrupt the flow of dangerous drugs into our community and hold those responsible accountable," reads a Thursday press release from the Gallatin County Sheriff's Office. "It is also a reflection of what can be accomplished when the U.S. Attorney’s Office and Law Enforcement pull in the same direction to make our communities safer."

The operation involved months of work by local investigators in cooperation with all their partners, according to a statement in the release from Sheriff Dan Springer.

"The relationships we have formed and maintained are what makes these operations run safely while protecting our citizens," Springer said in the release. "This is exactly what this community expects from its Sheriff’s Office, and we are proud to deliver on these expectations while protecting your quality of life."

The defendants' identities weren't immediately available. This is a developing story, and more information will be reported when available.