by Savannah Hankard
Mon, September 23rd 2024 at 5:24 PM
TOP GUN TRAINING SCENARIO (Courtesy of the Idaho National Guard)
BOISE, Idaho (CBS2) — This year Idaho is taking a firm stance in the fight against fentanyl. Earlier this year Governor Brad Little signed House Bill 406 into effect, which implements more severe sentences for traffickers. Police and prosecutors are learning how to stay ahead of criminals and cartels, one way they’re doing this is through a week-long training, called ‘Top Gun’.
‘Top Gun’ is an undercover officer course designed to train law enforcement and prosecutors in investigating, apprehending, and charging those involved in narcotic crimes. This isn’t the first time the course has been brought to the Treasure Valley, but as fentanyl cases are on the rise, law enforcement says it’s now more important than ever.
Idaho prosecutors have been continuously charging those involved in narcotic crimes. Still, U.S. Attorney for the District of Idaho, Josh Hurwit, says being proactive will help find the root of some rings and create a bigger impact. he said the networking the training provides will also help take down those large-scale situations. He said,”Folks all learning the same tools, so that when they get back out into the field, not only do they know each other, but they know what each other are doing so that we can work proactively to take down not just an individual drug dealer or two, but entire networks and sources of supply.”
Many other agencies are looking forward to what the collaboration between departments brings.Sergeant First Class Ryan Lohmiller said,”Everybody is just truly working together, and they’re partnerships that we just look forward to growing and strengthening throughout the years and becoming better.”
Gowen Field Air Force Base is hosting the 40 participants as they go through 60 hours of training. the training focuses on legal and practical skills in classroom and scenario training, which instructors say is one of the most valuable aspects.