Cass County Sheriff and BCI agent give context to illegal drug trade

(Fargo, ND) -- Jesse Jahner, Cass County's Sheriff and Shelby Franklin, a Special Agent with the ND Bureau of Criminal Investigation, spoke with the Coffee Club on WDAY Radio about a number of topics related to drugs.

Both Jahner and Franklin say a ajority of drugs come from the southern border area and enter into "hub-cities" like Chicago, Minneapolis, and Colorado, then are brought to Fargo. Due to I-29 and I-94 running through the city, authorities say it leads to a high quantity of illegal drugs traveling through the area, especially Fentanyl.  

"On the Southern Border, you can purchase an M30 pill for 25 cents, 50 cents a pill... What we are buying for pills is anywhere between $5-15," said Franklin. "Even outside the Fargo area around the state, talking to other coordinators with the task forces, they are seeing $20-40 a pill. I've have heard on some of the reservations they are paying $60-80 a pill."

Both Franklin and Cass County Sheriff Jesse Jahner say methamphetamine is still prevalent in the region. Another topic touched on by the officials was lacing of other drugs like meth and cocaine, which has had reported instances of fentanyl being found in the materials. When asked about marijuana, agent Franklin says he has not personally seen any instance of the drug being laced with fentanyl. However, he did say if it was the case, he wouldn't be surprised.