VALENTINE, Neb. - Law enforcement in north-central Nebraska is witnessing a troubling rise in drug-related crimes, reflected in the latest Valentine Police reports. Between Sept. 1-7, 2024, Valentine officers made six drug-related arrests or citations, all stemming from routine traffic stops.

The confiscated substances included THC products such as wax, vapes, and edibles, as well as marijuana. Although these recent incidents involved less potent drugs, authorities in the region are also grappling with more dangerous narcotics like methamphetamine and fentanyl.

News Channel Nebraska previously reported that Sheridan County Sheriff Jeff Brewer estimated around 80 percent of the people ending up in the Sheridan County jail have been arrested for drug-related crimes.

“In 35 years I probably saw meth one or twice," Brewer said. "Now I'm seeing it almost on a weekly basis.”

Most of the arrests have involved meth, but Brewer said he has also seen more fentanyl.

Valentine Police Chief Dana Miller has also echoed these concerns, noting that much of the crime in her jurisdiction stems from drug-related issues.

“Fentanyl, oxycodone, that kind of thing we find on a regular basis,” Miller previously told News Channel Nebraska.

Here are the details of the latest drug-related arrests from the Valentine Police report:

On 09/01/2024 at 7:59 pm, an officer conducted a traffic stop near Main and B Streets.  A 31 year old Valentine woman was arrested for driving under the influence of alcohol.  A 29 year old South Dakota woman was cited for possession of drug paraphernalia and marijuana less than one ounce.

On 09/02/2024 at 10:19 pm, an officer conducted a traffic stop near 4th and Wood Streets.  A 36 year old Valentine man was cited for possession of marijuana less than one ounce.

On 09/03/2024 at 12:55 am, an officer conducted a traffic stop in the 1000 block of east highway 20.  A 23 year old woman and a 19 year old man, both from South Dakota, were arrested for possession of a controlled substance and a firearms violation.

On 09/03/2024 at 3:54 pm, an officer conducted a traffic stop in the 200 block of north Main Street.  The department's narcotic detection K9 Baker was deployed.  A 20 year old Valentine man was arrested for driving while revoked and possession of a controlled substance.

On 09/05/2024 at 11:26 pm, an officer conducted a traffic stop near Hall and B Streets.  A 20 year old South Dakota man was cited for possession of marijuana less than one ounce.