Man on Probation Gets Caught With Meth in Missoula

On the night of January 24 to January 25, 2022, 31-year-old Derek New was identified by Missoula Police officers at a casino. New is a probationer under the supervision of the Montana Department of Corrections and his presence at a casino violated the conditions of his probation.

Court documents indicate New was instructed to report to the Probation & Parole Office on the morning of January 25, 2022. Upon reporting, New was administered a drug test, which he failed, indicating he had used illicit drugs in violation of the conditions of his probation.

At approximately 9:48 AM that same morning, a Missoula Police Department Officer was dispatched to the 2100 block of Dearborn Ave to assist Probation Officers with a search of New’s residence. MPD Detective Lieutenant Eddie McLean explains.

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“The responding officer met with the probation officer and discovered signs of additional criminal activity,” McLean said. “During the search of New’s residence, the probation officer located what was determined to be methamphetamine and additional items of drug paraphernalia. New was subsequently arrested for criminal possession of dangerous drugs, criminal possession of drug paraphernalia, and additional held on violating the conditions of his probation.”

The Probation & Parole Officer located numerous illicit items during the search of New’s residence. A black case was located underneath the mattress of the bed. Inside the black case were numerous unused syringes, a small baggie of meth, and other paraphernalia. Several glass pipes with white residue were also located. The MPD officer who responded to the scene took possession of the contraband.

New is currently being charged with felony criminal possession of dangerous drugs.

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