A coordinated law enforcement operation in Kootenai County resulted in the arrest of three drug dealers and the seizure of nearly a quarter pound of methamphetamine, authorities said. Idaho State Probation & Parole, the Coeur d’Alene Police Department Criminal Apprehension Team, and the Kootenai County Sheriff’s Office Special Investigations Unit conducted the joint investigation.
Anthony L. Mensik, 43, was arrested on August 25 following a traffic stop that came after police surveillance. A police dog alerted officers to possible controlled substances in his vehicle, leading to the discovery of methamphetamine. Officers then executed a search warrant at Mensik’s home on Kimberly Lane, where they found packaging materials, scales, and additional methamphetamine. Mensik faces charges of Possession of Controlled Substance with Intent to Deliver and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia.
William Sykes, 54, was found living at Mensik’s residence during the search and was arrested for Possession of Controlled Substance with Intent to Deliver and Trafficking Methamphetamine.
Shawn C. Higgins, 50, was arrested separately for Delivery of Controlled Substance and Trafficking Methamphetamine. Officers seized three ounces of methamphetamine and drug paraphernalia from his home. Two additional individuals arrested at Higgins’ residence faced charges related to probation violations.
The operation resulted in the recovery of more than one ounce of methamphetamine at Mensik’s home and three ounces at Higgins’ residence, totaling nearly a quarter pound of the drug removed from Kootenai County streets.
The arrests reflect ongoing law enforcement efforts to combat methamphetamine trafficking in North Idaho. Residents with information about drug activity in Coeur d’Alene, Post Falls, or surrounding areas are encouraged to contact local law enforcement or submit anonymous tips through existing crime-reporting channels.