Northwest Narcotics Task Force

Northwest Narcotics Task Force Ryan Chaffee, Coordinator

The Northwest Narcotics Task Force (NWNTF) is a multi-jurisdictional drug task force. It is a joint effort set forth by area law enforcement agencies through a memorandum of understanding. These agencies (NWNTF Board) include the North Dakota Bureau of Criminal Investigation (Williston and Watford City field offices), Williams County Sheriffs Office, McKenzie County Sheriffs Office, and Divide County Sheriffs Office along with the Williston Police Department.

The NWNTF consisted of agents who cover Williams County, Williston, McKenzie County, Watford City, and Divide County. During the year of2019 the NWNTF members consisted of three task force agent's assigned from participating agencies, one US Border Patrol agent, and three North Dakota Bureau of Criminal Investigation Special Agents (1 currently assigned as the Task Force Coordinator).

Williston Police Department as well as Williams and McKenzie County agreed to employ a full time Administrative Assistant/Intel Analyst. The intel analyst position is key to the operation of the NWNTF. During the calendar year of 2019, the intel analyst assisted numerous separate agencies not including the NWNTF with a variety of intelligence information requests. Our intel analyst has provided a resource that relieves the task force officers from having to spend a lot of time in the office and more time in the field. The intel analyst has also been working with others throughout the state to further the mission.

Over the last few years, The NWNTF has experienced personnel changes from Task Force Coordinators to Task Force Officers. The NWNTF primarily focuses on issues related directly to the communities the NWNTF serves but when investigations stretch out to the neighboring communities, the NWNTF is always willing to share information and try and combat the influx of drugs that are frequently brought within their jurisdiction.

The NWNTF is also committed to providing assistance to the Three Affiliated Tribes (MHA) Drug Enforcement unit. This collaborative effort has been proven successful and has led to many federal indictments and state arrests. Information and resource sharing between NWNTF and MHA DE, along with the personal relationships between the entities, has been proven successful in operations and assistance through many cases to ensure the safety of the MandanHidatsa-Arikara community members and community members within the area of responsibility of the NWNTF. The NWNTF looks to continue, and strengthen, the relationship in the future.

The 2019 Statistics are as follows:

Meth purchased/seized: .........................2,925.98 grams (Approx. 6.5 pounds) Street Value (APPROX. $100/GRAM)= $292,598

* In 2018 the total amount seized was 2310.86

Marijuana purchased/seized: 45,005.42 grams (Approx. 99.2 pounds) Street Value (APPROX. $10/GRAM) = $450,054

*In 2018 the total amount seized was 11,164.83

Marijuana Plants: .................................1 plant

Hash/Wax/BHO: ....................................3,445.1 grams (Approx. 7.6 pounds) Street Value (APPROX. $80/GRAM) = $275,608

* In 2018 the total amount seized was 5,571.1

Psilocybin ( Mushrooms): ......................

14.2 grams Street Value (APPROX. $8/GRAM) = ....$114

Heroin: ...................................................

114.9 grams (Approx.. 3 pound) Street Value (APPROX. $400/GRAM) = $45,960

* In 2018 the total amount of Heroin seized was 247.75 grams

*It should be noted, heroin is often weighed in points A dose of heroin could be measured around 5 mg or 2 points 1 point is equal to 0.I grams.

Alprazolam (Xanax): ..............................

479 DU Street Value (APPROX. $30/PILL) = ..... $14,370

Hydrocodone/Oxycodone/Oxycotin:

521.5 DU Street Value (APPROX. $60/DU) = .......$31,290

Other Pills: Amphetamine, Clonazepam/Klonopin,Valium Street Value= .......................................... $15,240

Total approximate value of drugs seized = $1,125,234

Total number of cases to date in 2019: 217

Total number of Search Warrants to date: 69 (21 were Agency Assist Search Warrants)

Total number of Arrests: 147

Arrests: ...................................................... 29 Total Firearms seized: 88 requests: 502

In addition to the illegal drugs and narcotics removed from the streets the NWNTF has also seized cash and assets, to include vehicles and firearms, all used or derived from the sale/transport of narcotics.

The NWNTF have always been available and utilized by the member agencies to transport non-drug evidence, assist with non-drug related undercover operations and investigations, execution of search warrants, etc.

The NWNTF conducted nine (9) presentations throughout the year for local schools, landlords and apartment managers, realtors, emergency service providers, and local schools. The requests for presentations are on the rise which is a trend we strive for and hope will continue.

Special Agent Ryan Chaffee ND Bureau of Criminal Investigations Northwest Narcotics Task Force Coordinator