Rocky Boy’s Reservation considers banishing drug dealers

HAVRE, Mont. (AP) – The Chippewa Cree tribe is considering banishing convicted drug dealers from the Rocky Boy’s Reservation.

Republican Rep. Bruce Beyers of Box Elder tells the Havre Daily News that more than 70 people attended a community meeting last week, and about 90 percent of them favored investigating the idea.

A task force was appointed to come up with proposals that will be submitted to the Chippewa Cree Business Committee.

Meyers says the action is being considered due to growing concern about the spread of hard drugs and related crime.

Tribal councilman Dustin Whitford said the council could take a preliminary vote on the proposal next month. They would also gather public comment.

Last month, the Blackfeet Tribal Business Council voted to ban drug dealers from the reservation. A tribe in South Dakota made a similar decision in July.

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Information from: Havre Daily News, http://www.havredailynews.com