Two arrested following tip from citizen

Two individuals were arrested and transported to the Sanders County Jail on December 23, following a call from a concerned citizen, who was able to provide enough detailed information for officers to locate the vehicle the individuals were driving in Trout Creek.

The Sanders County Sheriff's Office (SCSO) shared a press release on its Facebook page stating officers were initially unable to locate the suspect vehicle, but Deputy Devin Wegener spotted the vehicle about an hour later. After spotting concerning items when approaching the vehicle, Deputy Wegener called for backup and detained the two individuals in the vehicle. Other SCSO deputies and Highway Patrol officers responded to assist.

Over 600 pills were recovered from the vehicle, some of which are suspected to contain fentanyl, along with 11 grams of suspected crystal meth and other paraphernalia.

Deputy Wegener made a point of saying that this was a total team effort between the responding law enforcement agencies, dispatchers, detention officers, administrators, and the county attorney's office. "There's a lot of unsung heroes in the office that all deserve recognition for their hard work. Everyone chipped in with putting in overtime, working outside their normal duties to keep this poison out of the community. Credit goes to the team," Wegener wrote.

SCSO emphasized that this drug bust was made possible by one resident gathering information and calling that in, as officers can't be everywhere and residents are their eyes and ears in the community. Deputy Wegener made a point to warn parents to be aware that these pills can look like candy to children, as they are often colorful and round. Even touching an item containing fentanyl can be fatal, the SCSO reported, so if you find anything suspicious, contact them immediately.