North Idaho partners to fund new Special Assistant US Attorney for drug trafficking

The City of Coeur d'Alene City Council convened on June 3, 2025, to discuss several key initiatives, with a primary focus on a proposed partnership to combat drug trafficking through the establishment of a Special Assistant U.S. Attorney (SAUSA) position in North Idaho.

The meeting began with a presentation on Resolution 25029, which seeks approval for a memorandum of understanding to fund the SAUSA initiative. This initiative aims to enhance local efforts against drug trafficking, particularly in light of the ongoing opioid crisis. Currently, Idaho has two existing SAUSA programs—one in the Treasure Valley focusing on gang-related activities and another in Pocatello targeting drug trafficking. The proposed North Idaho SAUSA initiative would be the third of its kind in the state.

The initiative is projected to cost $140,000 annually, with funding contributions from various sources. The governor's office has committed $75,000, and the Oregon-Idaho High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area (HIDTA) program has pledged $50,000. The remaining $15,000 will be shared among participating local governments, with Coeur d'Alene's contribution capped at $3,000 per year. This financial commitment is designed to be flexible, allowing the city to withdraw from the program after the first year if it does not meet expectations.

Former Chief Prosecutor West Summerton emphasized that the SAUSA program aligns with the city's ongoing efforts to combat the fentanyl epidemic, complementing the work of the local police department. Shoshone County Prosecutor Ben Allen, a key advocate for the initiative, was present to address any questions from the council.

Council members expressed support for the initiative, noting the relatively low financial commitment required from Coeur d'Alene. Discussions also touched on the potential for utilizing opioid settlement funds to cover the city's share, although no definitive funding sources were identified during the meeting.

The council concluded the discussion by considering metrics for evaluating the program's success, such as the number of prosecutions and the volume of drugs confiscated from the streets. The initiative is set to commence on July 1, with the governor's office covering local participation costs until the new budget year begins on October 1.

Overall, the meeting underscored the city's commitment to addressing drug-related issues through collaborative efforts with state and federal agencies, aiming to enhance public safety and reduce the impact of drug trafficking in the community.