Montana is struggling to keep up with an increase in crime and drug use, especially fentanyl, according to Attorney General Austin Knudsen.

In an interview with NBC Montana's Heidi Meili on Tuesday, Knudsen said more funding is needed for officers, prosecutors and equipment to fight the war on drugs.

Knudsen said it's up to the state legislature to decide as they hammer out the budget bill for the next two years.

Knudsen said Montana will be more dangerous if these items don't pass.

"We don't just see fentanyl use happening in Billings or Missoula or Butte, it really is everywhere, and we're seeing all different kinds of it now. Some fairly scary trends," said Knudsen.

The state reports officials seized nearly three times more fentanyl in the first three quarters of 2022 than in all of 2021.