Evergreen Reporter

Joshua Alan Berg, a 47-year-old resident of Spokane, has been sentenced to 188 months in federal prison for possession with intent to distribute controlled substances. The announcement was made by U.S. Attorney Josh Hurwit. In addition to the prison term, U.S. District Court Judge Amanda K. Brailsford mandated that Berg complete four years of supervised release following his incarceration.

The case against Berg began on February 8, 2023, when law enforcement officers responded to an overdose incident in St. Regis, Montana. During the investigation, Berg was identified as having information related to the incident. Consequently, other agencies in the area were alerted to be vigilant for him.

Berg was subsequently spotted by officers in Shoshone County, Idaho. He attempted to evade capture by leading them on a high-speed chase before crashing his vehicle into a snowbank and fleeing on foot. Officers apprehended him near the abandoned vehicle and discovered he was carrying approximately one and a half pounds of methamphetamine and half a pound of fentanyl pills at the time of his arrest. Additionally, Berg discarded a firearm during the pursuit which was later recovered by officers.

U.S. Attorney Hurwit praised the collaborative efforts of various law enforcement bodies including the Shoshone County Sheriff’s Office and agencies from Mineral County, Montana. The North Idaho Narcotics Enforcement (NINE) Taskforce played a significant role in bringing charges against Berg.

The NINE Task Force is composed of multiple law enforcement entities working together to combat drug trafficking in North Idaho. It includes agents and officers from organizations such as the Idaho State Police, Coeur d’Alene Police Department, Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), Bureau of Indian Affairs, U.S. Border Patrol, United States Postal Inspection Service, and National Guard Counter Drug Program.