Billings Man Faces Federal Charges After Remarkable 45-Pound Meth Seizure

Major Montana drug bust nets meth, guns, cash

Published on Feb. 13, 2026

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A 45-year-old Billings man named Lane Demarais is facing federal drug charges after authorities seized approximately 45 pounds of methamphetamine, several firearms, and over $31,000 in cash during a coordinated operation involving multiple federal and local law enforcement agencies across Montana.

Why it matters

This case highlights the ongoing efforts by law enforcement to disrupt major drug trafficking operations impacting communities across Montana, as part of the current administration's broader Operation Take Back America initiative targeting the drug trade.

The details

Court documents state the meth was packaged in individually wrapped one-pound bundles. In addition to the drugs, authorities also recovered several firearms and over $31,000 in cash during the execution of search warrants in both Billings and Laurel. A task force made up of the FBI, DEA, Homeland Security Investigations, Border Patrol, and local police carried out the coordinated operation.

  • On February 13, 2026, Lane Demarais made his first appearance in federal court.

The players

Lane Demarais

A 45-year-old Billings man who is facing federal drug charges after authorities seized approximately 45 pounds of methamphetamine, several firearms, and over $31,000 in cash.

U.S. Attorney's Office

The federal agency that is prosecuting the case against Lane Demarais.

FBI

One of the federal agencies that participated in the coordinated operation that led to the drug bust.

DEA

One of the federal agencies that participated in the coordinated operation that led to the drug bust.

Homeland Security Investigations

One of the federal agencies that participated in the coordinated operation that led to the drug bust.

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What’s next

The judge will decide on Tuesday whether to allow Lane Demarais to be released on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights the ongoing battle against major drug trafficking operations in Montana, and the level of coordination between federal and local law enforcement agencies to disrupt the drug trade and keep communities safe.