Wanted Woman Charged With Intent to Sell Meth in Missoula

Missoula, MT (KGVO-AM News) - On March 3, 2025, a Missoula Police Department Officer was patrolling in the area of 11th Street and Russell Street when he observed a vehicle with a large amount of smoke, to the point that the officer believed the vehicle was on fire. As the officer got closer to the vehicle, he observed the vehicle stall, which caused oncoming traffic to stop.  

The officer conducted a traffic stop and observed the vehicle was occupied by three people. The right rear passenger was identified as 36-year-old Megan Pinkerton. The officer also identified the driver and learned he had a suspended license.  

Then the officer was informed by another officer that Pinkerton had a local arrestable warrant and she was placed under arrest. A search incident to arrest of Pinkerton was performed and officers located a small baggie of methamphetamine.  

Officers Notice Paraphernalia in the Vehicle 

Pinkerton asked the officer to remove her personal belongings from the vehicle. The officer also received consent from the driver to retrieve the items requested by Pinkerton. While looking into the vehicle, the officer observed several orange syringe caps between the other passenger’s legs. The officer opted to seize the vehicle and apply for a warrant.  

When the passenger exited the vehicle, the officer confirmed the presence of several bags of syringes on the passenger floorboard. The officer asked the passenger for consent to search his person, which he agreed to. During the search, the officer located two small used plastic baggies, presumably used for possessing illicit drugs. The passenger was placed under arrest for drug paraphernalia. 

Then the officer requested another officer utilize his K9 to conduct a sniff of the vehicle. An officer observed a digital scale near the center console and a small baggie on the backseat of the vehicle. K9 Zip gave a final indication at the conclusion of his sniff, which is K9 Zip’s trained response to a trained narcotic odor. Then the officer applied for and was granted a search warrant for the vehicle.  

READ MORE: Missoula News – Crime Reports 

Officers Search the Vehicle 

While conducting the search, an officer located 22.74 grams of methamphetamine, a loaded syringe, several hundred new plastic baggies, a broken glass pipe and an uncapped syringe, miscellaneous U.S. currency, a digital scale in the center console, and paraphernalia from a clinic-which included a glass pipe, syringe packages, alcohol wipes, and cotton balls. 

According to a Task Force Officer, an average user of methamphetamine consumes .25 grams to .5 grams and 22.74 grams is approximately 90-181 personal uses. The amount, in combination with the several new baggies, scale, and other various paraphernalia, is indicative of an individual who possesses with the intent to distribute. 

Pinkerton was placed under arrest and was transported to the Missoula County Detention Center. She is currently being charged with felony criminal possession with intent to distribute and criminal possession of drug paraphernalia.  

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