Polson man convicted of drug trafficking

A federal jury in Great Falls has convicted a Polson man of possession of methamphetamine with intent to distribute.

Roy Allen Shostak was convicted on Wednesday following an investigation that began in May 2020, when Helena police and the Missouri River Drug Task Force learned he was allegedly selling drugs and carrying a gun. He also was wanted for allegedly violating his probation from another case.

He was arrested and found to have a marijuana pipe despite not having a medical cannabis card. (Recreational use was not yet legal under Montana law.) While searching his car, officers reported finding three plastic bags of meth, a digital scale and a used syringe.

Police also searched Shostak's phone and found text messages in which he discussed trafficking drugs. He remains jailed pending a sentencing scheduled for Oct. 7 before U.S. District Judge Brian Morris.

According to Montana State Prison records, Shostak has served time for possession and distribution of dangerous drugs in Lewis and Clark County and for criminal endangerment in Lake County.