Billings, Montana – A Billings man accused of trafficking a massive quantity of methamphetamine made his first appearance in federal court, marking the latest development in a sweeping drug enforcement effort in Montana. Federal authorities say the case stems from a coordinated operation that uncovered a large supply of illegal drugs, weapons, and cash.
Lane Demarais, 45, appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Timothy Cavan on a federal complaint charging him with possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine. The charge carries severe penalties, including a mandatory minimum prison sentence of ten years, a possible life sentence, fines of up to $10 million, and at least five years of supervised release if convicted. Following the hearing, the court ordered Demarais detained pending further proceedings.
Large Drug Seizure Following Coordinated Raids
According to an affidavit filed in support of the complaint, the Eastern Montana HIDTA drug task force executed several search warrants on Thursday, February 5, 2026, in Billings and nearby Laurel. The coordinated effort involved multiple agencies and specialized units and resulted in the seizure of approximately 45 pounds of methamphetamine packaged in individually wrapped one-pound bundles.
Authorities also confiscated several firearms and more than $31,000 in cash during the operation. Investigators believe the drugs were intended for distribution, highlighting what officials describe as a significant trafficking case affecting the region.
The Eastern Montana High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area task force, known as EMHIDTA, led the investigation. The task force includes agents and officers from the FBI, DEA, Border Patrol, Homeland Security Investigations, U.S. Postal Inspection Service, Billings Police Department, Yellowstone County Sheriff’s Office, and the Montana Department of Corrections Probation and Parole.
Service of the search warrants required additional support from local tactical teams, including the Billings Police Department Street Crimes Unit, SWAT Team, and Drone Team, as well as the Laurel Police Department and the Yellowstone County Sheriff’s Office TRT.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Colin Rubich is prosecuting the case.
Part of Nationwide Crime Reduction Effort
Federal officials said the case is connected to Operation Take Back America, described as a nationwide initiative aimed at confronting organized criminal networks and drug trafficking operations.
The initiative is designed to bring together federal, state, and local resources to combat transnational criminal organizations, reduce violent crime, and protect communities from drug distribution networks and related offenses.
Demarais remains in custody as the case moves forward through the federal court system. Authorities emphasize that the complaint is an allegation and that the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in court.
The large seizure underscores ongoing law enforcement efforts to disrupt drug trafficking pipelines and prevent dangerous narcotics from reaching communities across Montana and beyond.
