Missoula Man Caught Hiding Fentanyl Pills in a Tums Container

Missoula, MT (KGVO-AM News) - On September 4, 2023, a Missoula Police Department officer observed a Toyota Scion traveling on West Broadway. A registration query of the vehicle was associated with a warrant issued for 43-year-old Timothy Ewing out of Yellowstone County with a $25,000 warrant amount. Dispatch confirmed the warrant.

The vehicle took a circuitous route that made the officer believe it was trying to avoid contact with law enforcement. The officer observed the male exit the vehicle and confirmed it was Ewing by reviewing prior booking photos.  

The officer activated his lights and stopped Ewing. Ewing at first gave a false name and started to give a false birth date, before admitting he was Tim Ewing. Ewing was placed under arrest for his warrant and was advised of his rights.

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There was also a female passenger in the vehicle. He said he was dropping her off nearby. During a search incident to arrest, the officer located a pen tube with the ends cut off which is commonly used to ingest drugs. 

The female said her only item in the vehicle was a purse, which Ewing confirmed. The officer asked Ewing about drug use. According to court documents, Ewing said he last used fentanyl that morning in addition to going to the methadone clinic. However, Ewing denied that there were drugs in his car. 

The officer contacted an on-call probation officer who authorized a search of Ewing’s person and vehicle. Ewing had approximately $340 in his wallet and suboxone strips. Inside the vehicle, the officer located a small Tums container with multiple blue pills consistent with fentanyl and a small bindle of tinfoil in the container. Other pills were found near the passenger door.  

Ewing was placed under arrest and was transported to the Missoula County Detention Center. He is currently being charged with felony criminal possession of dangerous drugs. On September 5, 2023, Ewing made his initial appearance in Missoula Justice Court and his bond was set at $25,000. 

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