FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
August 18, 2026
Omaha Tribal Council Passes Major Methamphetamine Enforcement Amendments
New Title 5 amendments strengthen enforcement, target meth dealers, and create a separate accountability path for people struggling with addiction
Macy, Nebraska — The Omaha Tribal Council has passed major amendments to Title 5 of the Omaha Tribal Code in response to the methamphetamine emergency affecting the Omaha Reservation.
Meth has hurt too many of our families, children, elders, and communities. These amendments give Tribal law enforcement, the Tribal Prosecutor, and the Omaha Tribal Court stronger tools to respond.
This action is the result of a year of work through the Tribe’s Meth Task Force, including conversations with Tribal Police, the Tribal Prosecutor, the Tribal Public Defender, the Court, and Tribal programs. The goal was to listen to the people dealing with this crisis every day, identify what was missing from the Tribal Code, and make changes that can help now.
The new provisions target methamphetamine trafficking, dealer tools, stash houses, controlled-substance paraphernalia, and property connected to illegal drug activity. The amendments also include fentanyl provisions so the Tribe can act early and be prepared if fentanyl begins appearing more in the community.
Following a recent methamphetamine drug bust on the Reservation, the Omaha Tribe is taking direct action to strengthen enforcement, hold dealers accountable, and protect the community.
The Omaha Tribal Council stated: “Today, the Omaha Tribe sent a clear message: meth dealers are not welcome in our community. These changes give our justice system stronger tools to go after trafficking, protect our people, and hold repeat offenders accountable.”
Under the amended code, serious meth trafficking offenses carry a mandatory one-year sentence. Covered conduct includes manufacturing, delivery, possession with intent to deliver, possession of dealer tools, and maintaining drug premises or stash houses. The amendments also strengthen the Tribe’s ability to pursue cash, vehicles, phones, weapons, and other property connected to illegal trafficking.
At the same time, the amended code recognizes the difference between addiction and dealing. A person facing simple-possession charges with no signs of dealing may be placed on a structured user-accountability track. That track can include court supervision, drug testing, treatment or recovery supports, culturally appropriate programming, and escalating accountability.
In appropriate cases, voluntary exclusion by plea may also be used as an alternative to jail. Voluntary exclusion is not disenrollment and does not affect Omaha Tribal membership status.
The Tribe is asking the community to stand together against methamphetamine activity. Do not allow homes, vehicles, or property to be used for meth sales or storage. Report dangerous drug activity. Talk with young people about the risks of meth. Support relatives who are willing to accept help, accountability, and recovery.
These amendments are part of the Tribe’s broader Meth Task Force effort to protect the Omaha Reservation through enforcement, accountability, prevention, treatment, and cultural strength.
The message is clear: the Omaha Tribe is fighting back against methamphetamine. Dealers will be held accountable, people struggling with addiction will have a structured path toward recovery, and the community will move forward together toward a safer and healthier Reservation.
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John Cartier
Attorney General, Omaha Tribe
954-319-9832
john.cartier@theomahatribe.com