Following an extensive investigation by the Organized Crime and Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF), eleven individuals in Idaho have been convicted on federal drug trafficking charges. This outcome stems from a thorough probe conducted by Idaho State Police, which initially targeted Austin Lee in early 2023. Authorities suspected Lee of distributing significant quantities of fentanyl and methamphetamine across southern Idaho.
As the investigation progressed in July 2023, it encompassed Lee’s Mexico-based drug supplier along with other collaborators. It was uncovered that recent parolees were being recruited into the drug trafficking conspiracy prior to their release from prison. These individuals played a critical role in transporting fentanyl from the U.S./Mexico border for distribution within Idaho.
The OCDETF-led operation culminated in the seizure of over 48,000 fentanyl pills and four pounds of methamphetamine, effectively dismantling Lee’s illicit operation. The DEA, along with its partners, remains committed to preventing drug traffickers from inundating communities with narcotics and associated violence. To underscore the gravity of the situation, two milligrams of fentanyl is deemed a potentially lethal dose, and the amount confiscated could have resulted in over 46,000 fatalities, a figure exceeding the seating capacity of Boise State’s football stadium.
Of the eleven convicted defendants, nine received prison sentences ranging from 24 to 140 months, while the remaining two were sentenced to several years of probation. The collaboration between state and federal agencies has been lauded for its effectiveness in safeguarding public welfare. Governor Brad Little emphasized the success of the Operation Esto Perpetua initiative, which aims to provide law enforcement with the necessary training and resources to ensure Idaho’s safety. The convictions of these 11 drug traffickers highlight the ongoing efforts and achievements in combating drug-related crimes in the state.
