Missoula Deputy Nabs Suspected Drug Dealer During a Traffic Stop

Missoula, MT (KGVO-AM News) - On January 18, 2026, a Missoula County Sheriff’s Office Deputy was patrolling near the Town Pump in Lolo. The deputy observed a grey BMW pull up and saw a male driver exit the car, noting he appeared disheveled and appeared to be under the influence. After running the vehicle’s license plate, the deputy learned that the BMW was driven by 47-year-old Darren Smith, who had a suspended driver’s license. Smith returned to the vehicle and left the parking spot.  

A short time later, the deputy conducted a traffic stop. The deputy informed Smith of the reason for the stop, and Smith mumbled something in return. The deputy then asked Smith what was going on with him tonight, but Smith said nothing, and before the deputy’s next question, Smith’s female passenger began answering for him. 

The deputy asked both individuals for identification. Smith provided his ID, but the female refused to identify herself. While addressing the female, the deputy noted that Smith just stared into his lap. The deputy noted Smith’s eyes were bloodshot, and based on his mumbled speech, overall condition, and the female obstructing the deputy’s investigation, he asked Smith to step out of the vehicle.  

The deputy brought Smith to the front of his patrol car and conducted a pat search, noting a decent sized box shaped item in his front pocket, but it did not appear to be a weapon, so the deputy opted to leave the item in Smith’s pocket. The deputy asked Smith if he had been using drugs, and Smith stated he had not. 

The deputy then confronted Smith and his passenger again about Smith’s appearance, at which time they both said he had been working all day. The deputy found that to be a reasonable explanation for Smith’s condition; as such, he did not ask Smith to perform the SFSTs. 

Smith was placed under arrest for his driver’s license status, and his passenger was released from the scene. The BMW was parked in the Town Pump parking lot and secured, with the key being placed in Smith’s jail property.  

READ MORE: Missoula News - Crime Reports

Upon arrival at the jail, an inventory search of Smith was conducted, and 18 grams of methamphetamine were located. Additionally, $2,062 in cash was inventoried. The deputy then requested another deputy respond to the Town Pump to conduct a K9 sniff. That deputy did so, and K9 Django positively alerted on the vehicle, which was subsequently towed. 

A Montana Regional Violent Crime Task Force Officer knows that 18 grams of methamphetamine is above a personal quantity use amount of methamphetamine. Additionally, the TFO knows the amount of cash possessed by Smith appears to be consistent with the proceeds of dangerous drug sales.  

Smith is currently being charged with felony criminal possession with intent to distribute, felony unlawful use/possession of property subject to criminal forfeiture, operating a vehicle with no registration, driving with a suspended license, and operating without liability insurance. His bond was set at $15,000. 

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