Traffic Stop Reveals an Open Whiskey Bottle and Drugs in Missoula

Missoula, MT (KGVO-AM News) - On February 10, 2026, a Missoula Police Department Officer stopped a Chevrolet Silverado on International Drive for failing to have a license plate light and failing to signal intention of a turn prior to 100 feet. The officer approached the driver and observed an open bottle of Black Velvet sitting on the front passenger seat. The driver was identified as 45-year-old Jared Snell.  

The officer determined that Snell’s driver’s license was suspended. The officer requested Snell exit the truck to speak. While this occurred, another officer observed a pipe in the driver’s side door pocket that they recognized as a pipe consistent with methamphetamine use. The officer further observed a hypodermic syringe under the pipe, commonly used in the ingestion of drugs.  

Snell was Mirandized and confirmed that the paraphernalia was used for methamphetamine. Snell advised there would be more paraphernalia in the vehicle and consented to a search of the truck. The officer located numerous alcohol prep pads, five small plastic baggies, three tourniquets, three saline washes, a small digital scale, numerous new and used hypodermic syringes, two methamphetamine pipes with residue, and an “ABC” overdose kit within the truck.  

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Once the search of the truck concluded, the officer requested consent to search Snell’s camper, which was parked by the patrol. Snell consented, noting there would be drug paraphernalia in the camper. The officer located multiple new and used hypodermic syringes, two tourniquets, nine saline washes, a needle disposal box, a methamphetamine pipe with residue, numerous small baggies, 33 Gabapentin pills in a pill bottle labeled to someone else, and two loose Gabapentin pills located inside a multi-vitamin bottle inside the camper. 

The officer inquired about who lived with Snell. When asked about the pill bottle, Snell said it belonged to his old roommate, who passed away. When asked about the Gabapentin prescribed to his old roommate, Snell admitted he was taking the Gabapentin due to back pain. 

READ MORE: Missoula News – Crime Reports 

Snell was arrested and transported to the Missoula County Detention Facility. He is currently being charged with felony criminal possession of dangerous drugs, criminal possession of drug paraphernalia, failure to signal intention to turn, driving with a suspended license, and unlawful possession of an open alcoholic beverage container in a motor vehicle on a highway. 

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