Meier: Key Suspect Arrested in Drug Bust

An arrest was made on Friday, Aug. 8, after an investigation led to a search warrant. St. Marie resident Antonio Hernandez, 31, was arrested and charged with possession of dangerous drugs – felony, and possession of drug paraphernalia – misdemeanor.

The drug was reportedly methamphetamine. Any presence of methamphetamine is a felony charge in the state of Montana.

Valley County Sheriff Glen Meier said Hernandez is a key person in drug trafficking through Eastern Montana to the Baaken region in Western North Dakota.

Hernandez's arrest and the investigation that led to it were a collaborative effort of the Valley County Sheriff's Office, the Tri-Agency Drug Task Force, Fort Peck Tribes and the FBI.

He is being held on a $200,000 bail.