Columbus, Montana – The Columbus Police Department made a significant discovery involving handguns, rifles, and suspected methamphetamine after intercepting a stolen vehicle heading towards Billings.
In the early hours of January 25, 2024, a Columbus Police K9 officer conducted a traffic stop near the Town Pump. The stop was initiated due to an active warrant for the arrest of the vehicle’s registered owner from Gallatin County. The situation quickly escalated when the officer realized that the car, coming from Missoula and not yet reported stolen, was being used without the owner’s consent.
Upon further investigation, the officer found four occupants inside the vehicle, en route to Billings. The circumstances led to the seizure of the vehicle and the procurement of a search warrant.
Assisted by a police K9, the officer uncovered multiple handguns, two rifles, and about one ounce of what is suspected to be methamphetamine. In addition to the firearms and drugs, the vehicle contained scales and a substantial amount of drug paraphernalia, highlighting the potential involvement in drug trafficking.
Currently, the Columbus Police Department is collaborating with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) and the Billings Police Department to further investigate this incident. While no arrests have been made yet, the case remains active, and more details are expected to emerge as the investigation progresses.
