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, who was filling in for Judge Barbara Duggan. 

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 2026.