ISP release yearly crime reports, county offenses increase

BONNERS FERRY — According to the Idaho State Police’s Uniform Crime Reporting Program, Boundary County has seen a 67.9% increase in narcotics offenses in 2020 from the previous year.

The Idaho UCR program’s primary objective is to compile reliable information for law enforcement administration, operation and management.

Detailed in the yearly report states Boundary County has seen an overall 6.9% increase in offenses in 2020 compared to 2019.

Assault saw an uptick from 2019 with an increase of 10.5% in Boundary County and a decrease in larceny offenses by 39.3%, and burglary offenses fell by 54.3%.

According to the crime report, Bonners Ferry arrests increased by 29%, with narcotic violations and simple assault making the most significant offenses reported.

According to Boundary County Sheriff Dave Kramer, the UCR numbers have errors that did not accurately reflect local law enforcements activity.

“We are working on getting those corrected,” Kramer said, “But we do see an increase in drug activity, which also contributes to most theft crimes too.”

In 2020, there were 37 DUI arrests made in Bonners Ferry, with two arrests of minors under the influence.

On July 14, Gov. Little met with law enforcement stakeholders over the concern of narcotics coming from the southern border as a reason for increases in narcotic seizures and drug threats.

“The sustained availability of drugs and the impact from crime related to drug abuse — including property and violent crimes — present continuing threats to the health and safety of Idahoans,” Little said. “Meth and fentanyl are the most serious and growing drug threats in Idaho and there is a direct tie to the loose border with Mexico.”

Additionally, in Boundary County, the drug seizure reports state from January to July of 2020 saw over 57 grams of methamphetamines, 2 grams of heroin and 195 grams of marijuana seized. Smaller amounts of opium, depressants and hallucinogens were also seized.

Kramer stated the increase in offenses correlates with proactive policing to keep illegal drugs out of the area, but also stated the fact that the county is in a major intersection for people traveling from neighboring counties, states and from Canada.

“The availability of drugs in neighboring states is bringing more into our area,” Kramer said, “We anticipate it continuing, it seems like for everyone we catch trafficking in drugs there is already someone else filling the gap.”

In July of 2020, Boundary County Sheriff’s Department received funding for a new K-9 narcotics dog known as Buddy, who searches for heroin, cocaine, methamphetamine and marijuana.

Buddy has activated many times in the past year and has contributed to many drug seizures from what initially began as regular traffic stops by law enforcement.

“Having a K-9 team, Buddy and Cpl. Valenzuela, has also been a huge asset in drug arrests, both for our sheriff's office and other agencies,” Kramer said.