Woman Steals From a Missoula Store, Caught With Drugs

Missoula, MT (KGVO-AM News) - On April 16, 2024, at around 7:45 PM, a Missoula Police Department Officer was dispatched to WinCo for a report of theft. The officer with a Loss Prevention Officer who had a female suspect in custody at his office.

The officer reviewed the security footage and observed the female suspect select multiple items off the shelves and conceal them in her purse. According to court documents, the female suspect made no attempt to pay for the items, which totaled $125.35.

The officer met with the female suspect who identified herself as 35-year-old Amanda Smith. The officer advised Smith of her Miranda warning and she agreed to speak with him. The officer ran a criminal history check and discovered at least two prior out-of-state theft convictions.

The officer placed Smith under arrest and transported her to the Missoula County Detention Facility. At the jail, a “tooter” straw was discovered in Smith’s bra, which had a brown powdery substance inside and appeared to have been used for inhalation.

Detention staff conducted an inventory search of Smith’s purse and found a bundle of tin foil wrapped in a brown paper towel. Inside the tin foil was a burnt blue substance. The officer inspected the substance and noticed an “M” symbol which he recognized from his training and experience to be a burnt fentanyl pill.

The officer tested the blue substance with the TruNarc scanner which returned a presumptive positive result for “acetaminophen.” The officer knew from his training and experience that it is common for fentanyl pills to contain over-the-counter medication. The suspected fentanyl has been submitted to the Montana State Crime Lab for further analysis.

Smith is currently being charged with felony criminal possession of dangerous drugs, criminal possession of drug paraphernalia, and theft.

The information in this article was obtained from sources that are publicly viewable.