Unauthorized Immigrant Charged with Smuggling $12M in Crystal Meth in South Dakota

South Dakota Highway Patrol Makes Major Drug Bust

South Dakota Highway Patrol arrested an undocumented immigrant suspected of transporting 207 pounds of crystal methamphetamine, announced Governor Larry Roden on Monday.

This seizure, valued at around $12 million, is reported to be the largest in the history of the state’s highway patrol. The operation falls under a broader initiative called Prairie Thunder, which aims to assist U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) in tackling illegal immigration and associated criminal activities.

“We are taking steps to safeguard the people of South Dakota from criminals and drug traffickers. Our highway patrol has demonstrated remarkable skill, achieving this unprecedented drug bust,” Roden stated. “My administration is dedicated to ensuring that South Dakota remains strong, safe, and free, and we’ll uphold that commitment through our Prairie Thunder operations.”

The arrest occurred when a highway patrol trooper stopped a 42-year-old driver for speeding along Interstate 90 in Sturgis. The driver, whose identity hasn’t been disclosed, exhibited suspicious behavior, which led the officer to search the vehicle. A police dog alerted the trooper to an unusual smell, prompting a search that uncovered the substantial stash of crystal methamphetamine.

As part of the investigation, the vehicle was confiscated, and the suspect is now involved in immigration proceedings, according to the press release.

This case represents the eighth instance of a non-citizen being apprehended by highway patrol since the implementation of a contract with ICE under Section 287(g).

“In these scenarios, the Highway Patrol will coordinate closely with ICE to transfer individuals into federal custody, continuing our Prairie Thunder operation,” the Governor’s Office stated.

Charges faced by the driver include:

Felony distribution/manufacturing of a controlled substance.

Felony possession of a controlled drug or substance listed in schedule II.

Misdemeanor possession or use of drug-related paraphernalia.

The investigation also involved collaboration with the Drug Enforcement Bureau, FBI, Homeland Security Investigations, Mead County Sheriff’s Office, and the Rapid City Police Department, according to the governor’s press release.