A Billings Cab Driver Used His Taxi to Run a Secret Meth Ring

A Billings man who used his position as a cab driver to traffic methamphetamine across the city has been sentenced to 42 months in federal prison. The case, built on a confidential tip and a series of undercover drug buys, exposed a two-man operation that used the Yellow Cab network as cover for repeated meth sales.

Sammy Joe Nava Pleads Guilty to Five Federal Meth Charges in Billings Drug Case

Sammy Joe Nava, 51, of Billings, was sentenced to 42 months in prison, followed by two years of supervised release, Acting U.S. Attorney Mark Steger Smith announced. Nava pleaded guilty in January 2026 to five federal counts: one count of conspiracy to possess methamphetamine with intent to distribute, one count of possession with intent to distribute, and three counts of distribution of methamphetamine. U.S. District Judge William W. Mercer presided over the case.

Confidential Informant Tips Off Law Enforcement to Yellow Cab Meth Ring in Billings

The investigation began with a tip. In June 2022, law enforcement received information from a confidential informant that two Yellow Cab employees (known only as "Sam" and "Dave") were selling methamphetamine around Billings. According to the informant, Sam was the supplier, and Dave acted as a middleman, facilitating the transactions. Agents subsequently identified "Sam" as Sammy Joe Nava.

READ MORE: Billings Man Sentenced to 11 Years in Laurel Truck Stop Sting

DEA and Montana Investigators Conduct Four Undercover Meth Buys in 16 Days

Between June 13 and June 29, 2022, law enforcement conducted four controlled purchases using the confidential informant. The operation followed a consistent pattern: the informant would contact Dave (later identified as David Lee Owen), who would then drive the informant to Nava's location. Owen would take the informant's money, go inside, and return with the methamphetamine.

The purchases escalated in quantity with each transaction. The informant first bought 27.8 grams of meth, then 28.5 grams, followed by 111.9 grams. The fourth and final buy was set up for a full pound (approximately 445 grams) of methamphetamine.

Arrests at Yellow Cab Offices in Billings Shut Down Two-Man Drug Operation

When agents moved in on the fourth buy, they arrested Owen at the Yellow Cab offices, where he was found in possession of the pound of methamphetamine. Nava was arrested shortly afterward, bringing the trafficking operation to a close.

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DEA and Montana Division of Criminal Investigation Lead the Case

The Montana Division of Criminal Investigation and the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) led the investigation. The U.S. Attorney's Office for the District of Montana prosecuted the case.