Bust nets $36,000 in meth

The Daily Inter Lake

Law-enforcement officers arrested a Martin City man Tuesday, alleging that he is a major methamphetamine dealer in the Flathead area.

More arrests are expected in this case, according to a Northwest Drug Task Force press release.

Robert Bancroft of Martin City has been charged with distributing dangerous drugs and possessing dangerous drugs with the intent to distribute them. Additional charges are possible, according to the press release.

Bancroft was driving from Martin City to Columbia Falls when officers stopped the vehicle and arrested him.

Then the task force, the U.S. Immigration and Customs Service and the Montana Division of Criminal Investigation searched Bancroft's house and a shop, 313 Second Ave. S., in Martin City and reportedly found roughly 11 ounces of crystal methamphetamine, scales, meth pipes, at least $5,500 in cash and four four-wheelers that had been reported stolen from Washington.

The drugs had a street value of $36,000.

Several months ago, law officers had identified Bancroft as a likely dealer of several pounds of methamphetamine a month, and they concentrated on building a case against him, according to the release.