Billings Man Caught with Massive Meth Stash Sentenced to 12 Years

A Billings man will spend the next 12 years behind bars for trafficking a large quantity of methamphetamine in the area.

Mario Baudelio Nava, 38, was sentenced to 144 months in prison followed by five years of supervised release after pleading guilty in April 2025 to possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine. U.S. District Judge Susan P. Watters presided over the case.

Investigation Begins with Confidential Tip

The case started on April 2, 2024, when law enforcement received information from a confidential source about a woman suspected of supplying methamphetamine. Officers recognized the details as connected to ongoing investigations and knew Nava had recently moved into the same residence. Surveillance was set up, and Nava was seen coming and going from the home.

Controlled Buy Leads to Key Arrest

Later that day, the woman agreed to sell one ounce of methamphetamine to the confidential source for $350. Officers watched her leave the residence and detained her at the meeting location. She admitted to having the meth and told investigators she had sold between nine and ten ounces for Nava over the past year. She also claimed Nava currently had about a half pound of methamphetamine in his possession.

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Large Drug Seizure and Stolen Firearm Found

The woman agreed to call Nava for a ride, which allowed law enforcement to track and arrest him. Under the terms of his parole, Nava’s vehicle was searched, and officers found nearly 1.4 kilograms of methamphetamine, a large amount of cash, and a stolen 9mm handgun. A search warrant for his residence uncovered more meth, currency, and drug paraphernalia.

Collaborative Effort Under Project Safe Neighborhoods

The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Colin Rubich and investigated by the Billings Police Department, Homeland Security Investigations, and the Eastern Montana HIDTA. It falls under the Department of Justice’s Project Safe Neighborhoods initiative, which focuses on reducing violent crime and gun violence through community partnerships and strategic enforcement.