Two Missoula Men Convicted in Multistate Meth Trafficking

Two Missoula men, Arthur Ray Peoples and Joseph Frederick Ployhar, have been found guilty by a federal jury of trafficking methamphetamine as part of a multistate drug ring, the U. S. Attorney's Office announced.

The convictions come after a four-day trial presided over by U. S. District Judge William W.

Mercer.

Peoples, 69, and Ployhar, 45, were convicted of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine, possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine, and distribution of methamphetamine. Both men face severe penalties, including 15 years to life in prison, a $20 million fine, and at least 10 years of supervised release. Their mandatory minimum sentences are increased due to prior convictions for serious drug felonies.

Details of the Investigation

The investigation, conducted by the Missoula Drug Task Force, identified Peoples as one of multiple meth dealers operating in Montana. A confidential informant purchased approximately 27 grams of meth from Peoples on January 28, 2025. Following this transaction, investigators placed Peoples under surveillance and subsequently pulled him over when they suspected he was about to engage in another drug deal.

Officers discovered several small baggies containing meth in his vehicle. Further searches of his motel room uncovered additional meth, digital scales, baggies, and ledgers.

Ployhar was implicated through the same investigation. He was stopped by law enforcement while returning from Washington with another defendant, Jamie Maki. A search of Ployhar's vehicle revealed roughly two and a half pounds of meth. Maki, who pleaded guilty to drug trafficking charges earlier this year, is scheduled to be sentenced on February 4, 2027.

Legal Proceedings and Sentencing

The U. S. Attorney's Office prosecuted the case, with Judge Mercer set to determine the sentences for Peoples and Ployhar after considering the U.

S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. Both men are currently detained pending further proceedings.

This case is part of the Department of Justice's Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a nationwide initiative aimed at reducing violent crime and enhancing public safety. The PSN program emphasizes rapid federal response, strong partnerships among law enforcement, and accountability through the prosecution of serious offenses. The initiative is a key component of Operation Take Back America, reflecting the Department's commitment to making communities safer.