Cousins plead not guilty in drug case

Two Evergreen men who were badly burned in March while allegedly attempting to convert marijuana into hashish pleaded innocent to manufacturing dangerous drugs Thursday in Flathead District Court.

Cousins Matthew and Tyler Shepard, both 22, told emergency responders they were using a PVC pipe and butane to extract oil from marijuana stems at about 10 p.m. on March 16 when a dryer ignited the fumes and caused an explosion, according to court documents.

The Flathead Drive mobile home was a total loss and the Shepards were treated at Kalispell Regional Medical Center for burns.

Both men pleaded innocent through their attorneys and did not speak during Thursday’s arraignments which were presided over by Judge Ted Lympus.

They’re currently free on their promises to appear for future court proceedings. Criminal manufacture of dangerous drugs is a felony punishable by up to 10 years in Montana State Prison.

Matthew and Tyler Shepard tentatively are scheduled to go to trial in October.

On March 16, Evergreen firefighters responding to a report of a structure fire were met by several people fleeing the home, according to court documents.

The Northwest Montana Drug Task Force came to the scene after firefighters reported a strange chemical-like odor.

A PVC pipe loaded with marijuana stems and capped on both ends was located in the yard, according to court documents. Law enforcement officials reported that the men were attempting to convert the stems into a more potent form of the drug.

Hashish is a cannabinoid product composed of compressed resin glands collected from marijuana. Flathead County Sheriff Chuck Curry said in March that the marijuana used in the operation apparently was grown on site.

Though the marijuana was legal under the state’s Medical Marijuana Act, the conversion of the plants to hashish is not, he said.