Nicole Lynn Shain, Methamphetamine and Fentanyl Trafficking, Montana 2025
A 40-year-old Idaho woman has been sentenced to 11 years in prison for her role in trafficking methamphetamine and fentanyl on the Flathead Indian Reservation in Montana.
Nicole Lynn Shain pleaded guilty in April 2025 to possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine and fentanyl. U.S. District Judge Donald W. Molloy presided over the case.
The charges against Shain stem from an investigation by Homeland Security Investigations and the Flathead Tribal Police. On July 1, 2024, law enforcement officers were patrolling in Pablo, MT, when they observed a black SUV with an Idaho license parked near an area frequented by persons actively addicted to controlled substances.
Investigators circled the block to surveil the vehicle, but upon returning to the area where they'd seen the SUV, it was no longer there. Several hours later, investigators again saw the SUV parked in Ronan, MT. The SUV had a single occupant, Shain. Investigators learned Shain had been previously convicted of distributing dangerous drugs in Idaho.
Investigators stopped Shain after observing her dispose of a piece of tin foil with drug residue on it. A search warrant was then obtained for Shain's vehicle, which yielded 26.8 grams of methamphetamine, several grams of fentanyl powder, and 1,092 pills containing fentanyl.
The quantities of drugs found in Shain's possession significantly exceeded what would be considered a user amount. Assistant U.S. Attorney Brian Lowney prosecuted the case. Shain was sentenced to 132 months in prison, followed by 7 years of supervised release.
The case serves as a reminder of the ongoing issue of drug trafficking in Montana. Law enforcement agencies will continue to work together to combat this issue and keep our communities safe.
Key Facts
- State: Montana
- Category: Drug Trafficking
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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