DILLON, Mont. — A Dillon man has been sentenced to 11 years and three months in federal prison for trafficking large quantities of methamphetamine and fentanyl. Jason Louie Tong, 50, pleaded guilty in September 2024 to possession with intent to distribute controlled substances.
Tong was arrested after a months-long investigation that revealed his involvement in distributing drugs throughout southwest Montana. According to court documents, law enforcement began tracking Tong’s activities in March 2023 after learning he was transporting and selling illegal drugs in the region.
Authorities stopped Tong’s vehicle three times in 2023, recovering drugs each time. During these stops, they found evidence linking him to the trafficking of methamphetamine and fentanyl, substances known for their high potential for abuse and overdose.
Tong is believed to have made at least four trips to Washington state in 2023, where he obtained large quantities of drugs. Each trip yielded between five and 10 pounds of methamphetamine, as well as 10,000 to 50,000 fentanyl pills. The drugs were then transported back to Montana for distribution.
U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich highlighted the significance of the case, which was part of the broader Project Safe Neighborhoods initiative aimed at reducing violent crime through strategic law enforcement and community partnerships. The investigation was conducted by several agencies, including the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), and the Montana Division of Criminal Investigation.
Tong’s sentencing comes as part of ongoing efforts to curb the influx of illicit drugs into Montana and address the growing fentanyl crisis that has claimed lives nationwide. Following his prison sentence, Tong will face five years of supervised release.
The case serves as a reminder of the continued collaboration between local, state, and federal agencies to combat drug trafficking in communities across Montana. The authorities have emphasized their commitment to addressing the widespread drug epidemic and ensuring that those who traffic in dangerous substances are held accountable.
For more information on Project Safe Neighborhoods, a program designed to foster trust and reduce violent crime, visit Justice.gov/PSN.
