An illegal immigrant, aged 42, was apprehended in South Dakota after being discovered with approximately 207 pounds of crystal meth, valued at $12 million, marking the largest single methamphetamine seizure in the history of the South Dakota Highway Patrol.
The arrest occurred during a traffic stop on Interstate 90 near Sturgis, where a service dog detected narcotics in the vehicle. Following the discovery, authorities charged the individual with two felonies and a misdemeanor related to the manufacturing, possession, and distribution of narcotics and drug paraphernalia.
This operation was part of Operation: Prairie Thunder, a statewide initiative launched in late July designed to target drug trafficking, gang activity, and parole absconders, among other threats. Governor Larry Rhoden emphasized the professionalism of law enforcement and reiterated his administration’s commitment to keeping the state “strong, safe, and free” through this operation.
Operation: Prairie Thunder also represents a sharp break from sanctuary policies, as it actively enables coordination with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). Under the agreement, Highway Patrol supports ICE with arrests, the National Guard assists in processing, and the Department of Corrections aids with transportation and identifying non-citizens in custody.
The suspect’s nationality remains undisclosed, and they are now undergoing immigration proceedings.
