Federal Officials Charge 22 People With Conspiracy To Sell Heroin, Other Drugs In ND Oil Patch
By Associated Press, Updated: Monday, July 1, 6:19 PM
FARGO, N.D. — Federal authorities unsealed indictments Monday against 22 people charged with conspiracy to sell heroin and other drugs on an Indian reservation in the heart of the North Dakota oil patch.
The first indictment in the investigation, dubbed “Operation Winter’s End,” was filed in March, but authorities did not make the case public until Monday because of the ongoing investigation.
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Law enforcement officials have said that organized crime and other illegal activity is increasing with the influx of people looking for work in the energy industry. Recent U.S. Census Bureau estimates show that Williston, in the far northwestern corner of the state, is the fastest-growing metropolitan area in the country.
Federal authorities have increased policing efforts in oil country by adding several FBI agents in Minot and Bismarck and a Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco and Firearms agent in Bismarck.
“The U.S. attorney’s office is committed to an anti-organized crime strategy in the oil patch that is built on close cooperation between federal, state, local, and tribal law enforcement agencies,” Purdon said.
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