Missoula man sentenced to 10 years in prison on drug trafficking charges

A Missoula man, Andrew David Ambler, was sentenced on Tuesday to 120 months in prison, followed by five years of supervised release, for trafficking methamphetamine and fentanyl, as announced by U.S. Attorney Kurt Alme. Ambler, 27, pleaded guilty in November 2024 to possession with intent to distribute controlled substances.

On May 24, 2024, Ambler was arrested by the Montana Regional Violent Crime Task Force on a parole violation linked to drug trafficking and firearm-related offenses. Prior to his arrest, he attempted to flee on foot, discarding a backpack and a bag during the escape.

The discarded items were found to contain a loaded .22 caliber pistol, methamphetamine, and fentanyl. A subsequent search of Ambler's vehicle uncovered approximately 5,000 fentanyl pills, which he admitted were intended for distribution.

The case was prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney’s Office, with investigations conducted by the FBI's Montana Regional Violent Crime Task Force. U.S. District Judge Donald W. Molloy oversaw the sentencing.

This case highlights ongoing concerns about drug trafficking in the region, with local law enforcement working diligently to address such criminal activities.