Illegal Camper ‘Found’ 17 Pounds of Marijuana Near a Missoula River

Missoula, MT (KGVO-AM News) - On April 14, 2026, a Missoula Police Department Officer was working when he responded to 550 N Russell St., underneath the south side of the bridge, for a report of camping in the city. Upon approach, the officer observed a large amount of scattered personal items and what appeared to be a partially erected temporary camping structure. The officer further noticed two separate piles of what he immediately recognized to be unburnt marijuana stems and flowers. 

Officers made contact with a male who was sleeping. When he woke up, he stated the marijuana belonged to 44-year-old Zech Vallejo. The male stated that Zech had laid the marijuana out to dry. Officers did not locate Zech on scene, and the male stated he was unaware of where Zech was. 

Officers collected as much of the marijuana as possible, finding it was laid out on gravel and rocks, in combination with wind, making collection tedious. The officer noted the black trash bag filled with marijuana weighed approximately 12.1 lbs. Additionally, officers collected a fitted sheet that weighed approximately 5.1 lbs, for a total of 17.2 lbs.  

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Encountering Vallejo

At approximately 9:45 PM, another officer was conducting a patrol on the riverfront trail system near the south end of the Russell Street Bridge. While patrolling, the officer observed a lone male seated on the ground near several personal belongings. The officer observed the male to be Zechariah Vallejo.  

The officer noted that he knew Vallejo through multiple prior professional encounters. The officer knew Vallejo to be transient and to frequently relocate between areas within the city. He also knew Vallejo through incidents involving illegal camping, theft, and drug-related offenses.  

READ MORE: Missoula News - Crime Reports

Vallejo was placed under arrest based on probable cause from the officer's investigation. The officer advised Vallejo of his Miranda warning, and Vallejo stated he understood and agreed to speak. 

According to court documents, Vallejo stated he had located a large quantity of wet marijuana along the nearby riverbank. Vallejo stated he collected the marijuana and was in the process of "drying it out." Vallejo stated he intended to keep what he determined to be usable and discard the remainder. Vallejo stated that he believed "weed" was legal.  

The officer confirmed that recreational marijuana was legal in Montana, but further stated that individuals are only allowed to possess a certain amount under state law. The officer asked Vallejo if he had obtained the marijuana from any other source, and Vallejo was adamant that he had found it along the riverbank.  

Inventory of Personal Belongings

Following Vallejo being placed under arrest, officers collected his personal belongings for safekeeping. While conducting an inventory search, the officer found a pouch that was approximately 10 inches long and 12 inches tall. Upon opening the pouch, the officer observed two large folded plastic bags. The bags had a yellow sticker labeled "Lionheart Distribution," which the officer recognized the labeling to be from Lionheart Cannabis. 

Vallejo is currently being charged with felony criminal possession of dangerous drugs.  

The information in this article was obtained from sources that are publicly viewable.