Tester Secures More Than $1.1 Million to Curb Drug Trafficking in Montana

Funding to support law enforcement, public education, drug abuse prevention

As a part of his continued efforts to combat drug trafficking in Montana, U.S. Senator Jon Tester today secured $1,161,355 in funding for law enforcement, public education, and supporting at-risk youth. 

As a senior member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, Tester secured these funds through the 2023 government funding bill. He was the only member of the Montana delegation to support the legislation.

“Drug trafficking is a scourge on our state – and if we’re going to get a grip on the crisis, we have to make sure folks on the ground have the tools they need to fight it,”said Tester. “I’m proud to have secured these funds to support our hard-working drug taskforces, educate the public, and curb illicit drug trafficking. Together we’ll ensure law enforcement has what they need to crack down on the illegal drugs that have been ravaging Montana communities for far too long.”

The grants are administered by the Montana Bureau of Crime Control (MBCC) and will support Justice Assistance Grant (JAG) drug taskforces across the state as they work to investigate, arrest, and prosecute trafficking of illegal drugs. These funds support the six multi-jurisdictional Drug Task Forces across Montana.  

Tester has always led the charge to combat drug trafficking and support law enforcement. Earlier this year, Tester introduced his ANTI Drugs Act. This bipartisan legislation would increase resources for three programs – High Intensity Drug Task Forces (HIDTA), Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS), and Operation Stonegarden – that law enforcement rely on to secure the border, stop drug trafficking, and keep communities safe.

He also co-signed a letter to President Biden urging him to restore the Director of the Office of National Drug Control Policy (ONDCP) to a Cabinet-level position – a designation it had until 2009.