Wanted Man Caught With Meth Near the POV in Missoula

Missoula, MT (KGVO-AM News) - On March 17, 2026, a Missoula Police Department Officer was driving behind the Poverello Center and observed 35-year-old Justin Julian, whom the officer was familiar with through previous professional contacts. The officer was further aware that Julian had an active felony arrest warrant.  

The officer approached Julian and asked him to identify himself. Julian was placed under arrest and then stated he wanted his bicycle, backpack, and coat to remain in the care of his friend. The officer informed Julian that they would address his property after the arrest process.  

Julian was then escorted to the officer’s patrol car. The officer asked Julian if he had anything on his person, such as weapons, needles, or drugs. Julian stated that he had two empty syringes in the right front pocket of his jeans and denied possessing any drugs.  

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During the search, the officer located one syringe in Julian’s pocket. In Julian’s rear pocket, the officer located a silver-colored hammer multi-tool containing a folding knife. In Julian’s left front breast pocket, the officer located a second syringe, a cut straw, and two small baggies containing a clear crystalline substance consistent in appearance with methamphetamine. 

According to court documents, upon seeing the items, Julian stated, “son of a b***h,” and leaned forward, placing his forehead on the hood of the officer’s patrol vehicle. The officer read Julian his Miranda rights, and Julian stated he understood.  

When asked about the substances, Julian admitted it was meth but claimed he did not know it was in his coat, stating he had been looking for meth for approximately two days and believed it was in a different coat. The officer asked if Julian had attempted to have the officer leave the coat with his friend because it contained methamphetamine, which Julian denied.  

READ MORE: Missoula News – Crime Reports 

The officer then arranged for Julian’s remaining property to stay with Julian’s friend. Then Julian was taken to jail. The officer weighed the baggies, finding the first baggie weighed approximately 1.04 grams total package weight, and the second weighed approximately 0.78 grams total package weight. The officer then utilized the TruNarc to test the suspected drugs, which yielded a presumptive positive result for methamphetamine. 

Julian is currently being charged with felony criminal possession of dangerous drugs and criminal possession of drug paraphernalia. His bond was set at $45,000. 

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