Billings, Montana – A Montana man accused of helping move large amounts of methamphetamine and drug money through a multistate trafficking operation connected to Mexico has admitted to federal drug charges, authorities announced.
Acting U.S. Attorney Tim Racicot said Joshua Jacob Best, 40, of Billings, pleaded guilty to one count of possession of methamphetamine with intent to distribute.
Federal prosecutors said Best now faces a potential sentence ranging from 15 years to life in federal prison. He could also face a fine of up to $20 million, at least 10 years of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment.
U.S. District Judge Susan P. Watters presided over the hearing and will determine the final sentence after reviewing federal sentencing guidelines and other statutory factors.
Sentencing has been scheduled for Oct. 1, 2026.
Court officials said Best remains detained while the case moves toward sentencing.
Investigation Linked Billings Operation to Mexican Drug Ring
According to federal court documents, investigators believe the trafficking operation was connected to a larger drug smuggling network operating out of Mexico with activity extending into Wyoming, South Dakota, California, and Montana.
Authorities said the investigation first began gaining momentum in June 2023 when a confidential informant told Billings police that Raymond Best was transporting “pounds of meth” and other narcotics into Billings.
Investigators later determined Joshua Best, Raymond’s brother, was allegedly helping move both drugs and cash between Mexico and Montana.
Federal authorities described multiple incidents that they say tied Joshua Best directly to the operation.
During an undercover investigation in October 2023, prosecutors said Joshua Best arranged the delivery of $67,000 in cash at a Walmart parking lot.
According to investigators, the money was intended to be transported to the Los Angeles area as part of the trafficking operation.
Authorities said Best arrived at the drop location driving a black Chevy Camaro.
Massive Drug Seizure Connected to Investigation
The investigation intensified in January 2024 after the Drug Enforcement Administration provided information about a courier traveling toward Montana.
Law enforcement officers stopped a rental vehicle after it departed Des Moines, Iowa.
During the traffic stop, investigators reportedly discovered approximately 57 pounds of methamphetamine, around one kilogram of cocaine, and roughly two pounds of marijuana.
Federal authorities alleged the rental vehicle had been arranged by Joshua Best, who was expected to receive the narcotics once they arrived in Billings.
Prosecutors later connected another major incident directly to Best in March 2024.
Authorities said Best crashed a black Chevy Camaro on Monad Road before fleeing the scene on foot.
While running away, investigators said he dropped two heat-sealed bags.
Police later obtained a search warrant for the vehicle and discovered a vacuum-sealed bag containing 496.4 grams of methamphetamine on the driver’s side floorboard.
Investigators also recovered numerous documents belonging to Joshua Best from inside the Camaro, despite the fact he was not listed as the registered owner of the vehicle.
Federal Task Force Continues Crackdown on Drug Trafficking
Federal officials said the prosecution is part of the Homeland Security Task Force initiative created under Executive Order 14159 titled Protecting the American People Against Invasion.
According to federal authorities, the Homeland Security Task Force is designed to combat criminal cartels, transnational gangs, human trafficking organizations, and large-scale smuggling operations operating both inside and outside the United States.
Officials said the initiative combines the efforts of multiple federal agencies and local drug task forces to identify and dismantle organized criminal enterprises.
The task force also places strong emphasis on investigating crimes involving children, violent criminal offenders, and international trafficking operations.
In Montana, the Homeland Security Task Force includes agents and officers from several federal agencies as well as drug task forces operating throughout the state.
The investigation involving Joshua Best was conducted by the Billings Police Department and the Eastern Montana High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area task force as part of the Homeland Security Task Force initiative.
Federal prosecutors with the United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Montana are handling the prosecution.
Authorities continue warning that methamphetamine trafficking organizations operating across multiple states remain a major public safety threat as law enforcement agencies intensify efforts to dismantle networks connected to large-scale narcotics distribution.
