Man Attempted to Sell Meth at a Missoula Gas Station

Missoula, MT (KGVO-AM News) - On May 19, 2024, Missoula County Sheriff’s Office Deputies were dispatched to a report of drug activity at the Town Pump in the 8700 block of Highway 93 N. A caller stated an individual in a white van, pulling a camper, had tried to sell him methamphetamine in the parking lot. The caller stated they knew the male as “Brandon J” from the Poverello Center.

A short time later, a deputy observed a vehicle go through the intersection of Highway 93 N and Cartage Rd. The deputy ran the registration of the trailer and found the plate returned “suspended for no insurance” and was registered to Brandon Jay Harris. The deputy activated his overhead lights and the vehicle pulled over.

The deputy approached the driver's side and spoke to the driver, who identified himself as 43-year-old Brandon Jay Harris. The deputy had Harris exit the vehicle and explained why they were present. According to court documents, Harris hung his head.

The deputy asked if people were making it up or if there was truth to it. Harris stated " Yeah, I do have two baggies in my left pocket” as he tapped his left jean pocket. Harris reached into his pocket and handed the deputy two baggies of methamphetamine.

The deputy advised Harris that he was under arrest and conducted a search. In Harris’ interior breast pocket, the deputy located a black bag that contained methamphetamine paraphernalia and a small plastic bag containing a white crystalized substance. Harris was placed in handcuffs and put in a patrol car.

Harris was read his Miranda Rights and agreed to speak with law enforcement. Harris advised there was more methamphetamine in his van on the bed. Harris signed a consent to search form and deputies searched the van.

Inside of the van, a deputy large black duffle bag on the bed. Inside of the bag, the deputy located several smaller containers containing methamphetamine kits. The deputy also found a notebook near the driver seat of the van. Inside of the notebook was what appeared to be a to do list, which stated " Make Sales Dope.”

The deputy went to the Missoula County Sheriff's Office warehouse and added the items into evidence. The total weight was 22.9 grams of suspected methamphetamine. The deputy conducted an ACE-ID of the drugs, which indicated a presumptive positive of methamphetamine and fentanyl. Two additional items will be submitted to the crime lab for further inquiry.

Harris is currently being charged with felony criminal possession with intent to distribute.

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