WALLACE —  A Montana man facing multiple drug charges pleaded not guilty Monday morning during his arraignment at the Shoshone County Courthouse. 

Brandon Taplin-Jones, 32, of Missoula, is charged with felony trafficking in methamphetamine and felony concealment or destruction of evidence. He also faces misdemeanor charges of marijuana possession and possession of drug paraphernalia following a traffic stop in September. 

According to police records, Taplin-Jones was driving eastbound on Interstate 90 when Idaho State Police Trooper Tyler Minkner attempted to pull him over for not having a license plate or temporary tags. Minkner reported seeing the vehicle swerve across lanes as both occupants moved around inside. 

Once stopped, Minkner said he noticed a faint smell of marijuana and asked if that was what the occupants had been shuffling around. Taplin-Jones said it was, but later admitted to having other drugs and paraphernalia in the vehicle. 

A search of the car revealed more than 80 grams of methamphetamine scattered across the floorboards and hidden inside a “Big Gulp” cup. 

According to Minkner’s report, Taplin-Jones admitted to dumping the drugs inside the car after seeing the emergency lights. 

Taplin-Jones entered a not guilty plea to all four charges before Judge John Mitchell.

In Idaho, trafficking methamphetamine carries mandatory minimum sentences based on quantity. Trafficking between 28 and 199 grams results in a mandatory three-year prison sentence and a $10,000 fine. The concealment or destruction of evidence charge carries a potential five-year maximum prison sentence. 

Elizabeth Angel, Taplin-Jones’ passenger, was charged with felony possession of a controlled substance and misdemeanor possession of drug paraphernalia. 

Both remain in police custody. 

Taplin-Jones’ case is scheduled for jury trial in February.