Probation Check Leads to Drug Discovery in Missoula

Missoula, MT (KGVO-AM News) - On March 25, 2026, a Missoula Police Department Officer responded to a residence after receiving a request for assistance in performing a search by Probation and Parole. Probation and Parole advised that 40-year-old Van Mueller had just been taken into custody for continued victim contact. Mueller is on conditional-release status for felony Partner/Family Member Assault.  

Upon arrival, the officer entered Mueller’s residence with a probation officer (PO). The PO stated that Probation and Parole located suspected drugs and paraphernalia in Mueller’s bedroom. Of note, other people also reside in the home, but Mueller keeps a lock on his bedroom.  

Inside Mueller’s bedroom, an officer located and seized a clear glass pipe with a bulbous end with white/black burnt residue on the inside, two small clear baggies containing white crystal-like residue, and a glass Lionheart cannabis container. Within the Lionheart container, the officer observed a yellow/brownish wax that appeared to be consistent with THC dabs.  

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Both on top of and mixed into the wax, was white powder. This white powder was also located on the threading of the glass container. Lastly, the officer located a hypodermic needle inside a lunchbox.  

Probation and Parole advised that Mueller has no known medical conditions that would require the use of a needle. The officer transported the suspected drugs and paraphernalia to the police station. There, the baggies containing the white, crystalline substance tested presumptively positive for methamphetamine on the TrunNarc scanner. The white powder mixed in with the THC dabs tested presumptively positive for fentanyl using a NIK test. 

READ MORE: Missoula News – Crime Reports 

Mueller was arrested and transported to the Missoula County Detention Facility. He is currently being charged with two counts of felony criminal possession of dangerous drugs. His bond was set at $50,000. 

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