Netherlands man sentenced in Missoula for fentanyl trafficking

MISSOULA – A Netherlands man, Gerad Nigel Punch, has been sentenced to 20 years in prison for trafficking fentanyl into Montana and other states. The U.S. Attorney's Office, District of Montana, announced the sentence on Monday, February 23, 2026.

Punch, 40, pleaded guilty in October 2025 to possession with intent to distribute fentanyl and conspiracy to commit money laundering. He will also face five years of supervised release following his prison term, according to U.S. District Judge Dana L. Christensen's ruling.

U.S. Attorney Kurt Alme emphasized the impact of the case, stating, "The sentence he received today sends a message to drug traffickers around the country that we will take the fight to them to keep Montana safe."

Attorney General Austin Knudsen highlighted the collaborative efforts in the investigation, saying, "This investigation and subsequent conviction are a great example of how we can work with our federal partners to keep Montana communities drug free."

The investigation revealed that Punch led a drug trafficking organization that moved over 300,000 fentanyl pills into Montana from February 2023 to March 2025. The organization transported fentanyl from Phoenix, Arizona, to Montana, Texas, and Washington. Punch and his coconspirators used various methods, including bank accounts and money transfer services, to launder money.

Amanda Prestegard, IRS-CI Denver Field Office Special Agent in Charge, noted the role of financial investigations, stating, "We target the illicit financial networks that fund these criminal organizations."

Inspector in Charge Anthony Galetti stressed the importance of accountability, saying, "Today's sentencing of Punch sends a clear message that those who traffic dangerous and deadly narcotics through our communities will be held accountable."

The investigation was conducted by Homeland Security Investigations, the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, the IRS Criminal Investigation Division, and the Southwest Montana Drug Task Force. The collaborative efforts led to charges against 14 defendants, significantly impacting Montana's communities.