Energy boom in North Dakota leads to increase in drug crimes

Friday, October 11, 2013  

Authorities in North Dakota and Montana are announcing a partnership to combat a rise in drug crimes in the Bakken oil patch.

The energy boom has led to an influx in population in both states. Drug traffickers are targeting the new arrivals and are contributing to an increase in drug offenses, violence and property crimes.

Indian Country isn't immune. In July, authorities arrested 22 people for trafficking drugs on the Mandan, Hidatsa and Arikara Nation in North Dakota.

Most of the defendants were based on the reservation. But authorities say the drugs were coming from a national trafficking organization.

Get the Story:
As Bakken oil patch booms, drug crimes spike; 16 arrested in Montana, North Dakota (AP 10/11)

Authorities bust 22 in drug ring on North Dakota reservation (07/02)