We knew the problem was bad, but these statistics show a new light on how big of a problem this drug is in Montana.

Drugs are a massive problem facing many Montanans today. For years, one of the main issues was methamphetamine but there is a drug that is deadlier and has been flooding the streets.

That drug is fentanyl.

Get our free mobile app

Fentanyl has been a massive problem for law enforcement for the past decade and it's still on the rise. Fentanyl has been mixed with several drugs like cocaine, meth, and others and has ended up killing thousands of people due to the potency of the drug.

How bad is the problem in Montana? It's getting worse.

How Bad Is the Fentanyl Problem in Montana?

NBC Montana reports that since 2019, local law enforcement has seen a 20,000% increase in fentanyl seizures. The numbers have been rising yearly, and there seems to be no sign of the problem slowing down.

Fentanyl has been involved in 80 deaths in 2023 alone. In 2017, that number was four.

The Montana Attorney General has been working with federal and local law enforcement to try and slow the spread of this deadly drug.

Fentanyl has been killing Montanans for years and the spread of this drug has no signs of slowing down. Law enforcement has diligently tried to curb the problem, but it keeps showing up all over Montana.

2024 is only two months in and we have seen quite a few busts where fentanyl was discovered and not just in pill form. Drug dealers have started to distribute fentanyl in powder form.

That can make it deadly for anyone in the vicinity of the drug.

Maybe in 2024, there will be some improvements in removing fentanyl from the streets of Montana but only time will tell.

For more details, check out NBC Montana.