Drug busts nab meth dealers

A collaborative effort by the Northwest Drug Task Force, Montana State Division of Criminal Investigations, Immigration and Customs Enforcement and Montana State Adult Probation and Parole has led to the arrests of six mid- to high-level methamphetamine traffickers in the area.

The arrests have been the result of a 10-month investigation targeting drug trafficking organizations, specifically methamphetamine dealers in the valley. Information gathered during the investigation suggests these individuals are mid- to high-level meth dealers.

The investigation points to the benefit of combining state, federal and local agencies to combat drug trafficking organizations in the area. During 2005, the drug task force added a federal Immigration and Customs Enforcement officer. During 2006, the task force gained two Montana State Narcotics officers. These three additional officers have years of drug enforcement experience and have proven to be invaluable in assisting the investigation.Dallas Reid Keopfli, 47, was arrested on Dec. 12 and is charged in federal court with distribution of dangerous drugs. Charles Gregory, 41, was arrested on Dec. 12 and is charged with distribution of dangerous drugs.Clifford James Erlandson, 40, was arrested Dec. 13 and is charged with distribution of dangerous drugs.Robert Matthew Bancroft, 37, was arrested by task force officers on Nov. 29 and is charged with possession of dangerous drugs and distribution. The case will be presented to the U.S. Attorney's office for additional charges.Myrtle Baldwin, 71, was arrested on Dec. 7 and is charged with federal charged of conspiracy to distribute dangerous drugs. During the arrest, she was in possession of two ounces of crystal meth and $9,000 in cash.Dallas Herman, 43, was arrested on Aug. 30 and is charged with possession of dangerous drugs with the intent to distribute. The arrest is the result of a probation search with the assistance of task force officers. More than five ounces of meth were seized as a result of the search. The case will be presented to the U.S. Attorney's office for additional charges.The investigation is still ongoing with more arrests expected.