South Dakota Highway Patrol Seizes Record 207 Pounds of Crystal Meth Valued at $12 Million

A 42-year-old man, identified as a non-citizen, was arrested in Sturgis, South Dakota, following a traffic stop on Interstate 90 that led to the seizure of 207 pounds of crystal methamphetamine. The confiscated drugs have an estimated street value of $12 million, marking the largest meth bust in South Dakota Highway Patrol history. The suspect was initially pulled over for speeding when a police K9 detected the presence of narcotics, prompting a vehicle search.

The record seizure is being highlighted by state officials as a significant success for "Operation Prairie Thunder," a statewide initiative launched by Governor Larry Rhoden. This operation aims to combat drug trafficking and support federal enforcement efforts, including partnerships with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). The South Dakota Highway Patrol's 287(g) agreement with ICE, signed in May, allows state troopers to perform certain immigration enforcement functions.

This arrest marks the eighth instance of a non-citizen being stopped by the Highway Patrol since the implementation of the 287(g) agreement. Authorities have not released the suspect's name, citing ongoing investigation concerns, though one source identified him as a Mexican national who had been living in California. The suspect faces multiple charges, including felony distribution/manufacturing of a controlled substance, felony possession of a controlled drug, and misdemeanor possession of drug paraphernalia.

Multiple federal and local agencies provided assistance in the operation, including the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), the South Dakota Division of Criminal Investigation, the Meade County Sheriff’s Office, and the Rapid City Police Department. Governor Larry Rhoden lauded the bust, stating, > "We are taking action to protect the people of South Dakota from criminals and drug traffickers. Our Highway Patrol showed incredible professionalism in achieving this record drug bust." He affirmed the state's commitment to delivering on the promise of keeping South Dakota "strong, safe, and free" through Operation Prairie Thunder.