Probation Check Leads to Meth Arrest in Missoula

Missoula, MT (KGVO-AM News) - On February 26, 2026, at approximately 1:22 p.m., a Missoula Police Department Officer was dispatched to assist a Probation and Parole Officer at a residence in the 1800 block of Stephens Ave. Upon arrival, the officer contacted the P.O., who explained that one of his probationers had been drug tested and the results were positive for a multitude of dangerous drugs.  

The P.O. explained that when he questioned the probationer about her residence, she told the P.O. that a 2005 white Cadillac Escalade was her residence that she shared with 36-year-old Joshua Thomas. When she was told the vehicle was to be searched, she told the P.O. that there would be drug paraphernalia inside.  

The P.O. and officer approached the vehicle and made contact with the male in the driver's seat. The male was later identified as Thomas. The P.O. explained to Thomas that his vehicle was identified as the probationer's residence and that it was going to be searched. Once out of the vehicle, the officer noted that Thomas appeared noticeably nervous, his hands were shaking, and he continued to ask the P.O. why they had to search the vehicle.  

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The officer noted that Thomas was not detained at this time, neither officer had activated emergency lights on their patrol vehicles, nor did they park their patrol vehicles in a manner to insinuate that Thomas was being detained or otherwise not free to leave. Thomas was asked if anything illegal was in the vehicle, and Thomas explained that there were drugs inside. When the officer was asked what kind of drugs were in the vehicle, he explained that there would be methamphetamine.  

The P.O. began his search of the vehicle and quickly located multiple small, Ziplock-style bags in the vehicle, which contained methamphetamine. The officer looked through the driver's side window and saw on the floorboard of the driver's side area multiple bags containing methamphetamine. Thomas was then placed under arrest.  

While searching Thomas incident to arrest, a rectangular tin container was located on his person. The officer asked what was in the tin, and Thomas explained that the tin contained drugs. Inside the tin, officers located a small Ziplock-style bag of methamphetamine. According to court documents, the officer concluded that Thomas possessed approximately 3.56 g of methamphetamine on his person. 

READ MORE: Missoula News – Crime Reports 

In addition to the tin, the officer located a silver vial necklace on Thomas's person. Thomas explained the vial contained drugs as well. The vial necklace and the silver tin were seized as evidence and stored at the Missoula Police Department. Each of the items of suspected methamphetamine will be transported to the Montana State Crime Lab for chemical analysis. 

Thomas is currently being charged with felony criminal possession of dangerous drugs and criminal possession of drug paraphernalia. His bond was set at $15,000. 

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