Wanted Man Caught With Drugs at a Missoula Casino

Missoula, MT (KGVO-AM News) - On March 16, 2026, a Missoula Police Department Officer observed a silver Jeep parked at the Magic Diamond Casino at 2230 Brooks St. The officer reviewed recent historical information regarding the Jeep and discovered that one of its associated occupants had a $10,000 warrant for his arrest, 34-year-old Brandon Tidmarsh.  

Tidmarsh currently has an open case for Criminal Possession of Dangerous Drugs in Missoula County District Court. Judge Elliot issued the $10,000 warrant on March 12, 2026, after Tidmarsh failed to appear in court.  

The officer entered the casino and located Tidmarsh. Tidmarsh cooperated with the officer while being taken into custody. Once outside, the officer performed a search incident to arrest. During the search, Tidmarsh admitted that he possessed narcotics on his person. The officer then located a small, clear baggie containing a white, crystal-like substance in Tidmarsh’s sweatshirt’s pocket. Tidmarsh advised that the substance was methamphetamine.  

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Needles and Charges: What's in the Officer's Findings?

Additionally, the officer discovered a small, rubber container in the shape of a mushroom. Tidmarsh authorized the officer to open it. Inside, the officer found a small, white, rock-like object. Tidmarsh advised the rock-like object was also methamphetamine; however, based on his training and experience, the officer believed the rock-like object was more consistent with fentanyl.  

Lastly, the officer located a hypodermic needle containing a clear liquid. Tidmarsh stated the needle contained methamphetamine that he recently “cooked down.” The officer seized the drugs and paraphernalia, and Tidmarsh was transported to jail.  

The officer later tested the suspected methamphetamine located in the clear baggie using the TruNarc scanner. It tested presumptively positive for that substance and weighed approximately 3.39 grams.  

READ MORE: Missoula News - Crime Reports

The rock-like object from the mushroom container tested inconclusively on the TruNarc scanner, as did the liquid contained in the syringe. According to court documents, fentanyl often produces inconclusive results on the TruNarc scanner. Further testing at the Crime Lab will be necessary for those items. 

Tidmarsh is currently being charged with felony criminal possession of dangerous drugs and criminal possession of drug paraphernalia. His bond was set at $10,000. 

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