Illegal Immigrant Caught In Record $12M Meth Bust In South Dakota

South Dakota authorities have made the largest methamphetamine bust in the state’s history, seizing roughly $12 million worth of the drug from an illegal immigrant during a routine traffic stop.

Republican Governor Larry Rhoden announced the record seizure Monday, crediting the arrest to the state’s ongoing Operation. Prairie Thunder a sweeping initiative launched in late July to crack down on drug trafficking, gang activity, and illegal immigration in cooperation with federal Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).

According to the governor’s office, a 42-year-old foreign national was pulled over by the South Dakota Highway Patrol when a service dog alerted officers to narcotics. A search of the vehicle revealed approximately 207 pounds of crystal meth. The suspect was charged with multiple felonies related to manufacturing, possession, and distribution, as well as a misdemeanor for drug paraphernalia. He is now in immigration proceedings.

“We are taking action to protect the people of South Dakota from criminals and drug traffickers,” Rhoden said. “Our Highway Patrol showed incredible professionalism in achieving this record drug bust. I promised that my administration would keep South Dakota strong, safe, and free and we will continue to deliver on that promise through Operation: Prairie Thunder.”

The operation works directly with ICE to identify, arrest, and deport illegal immigrants involved in criminal activity a sharp contrast to sanctuary city policies in Democrat-run states.

• Highway Patrol assists ICE with arrests.

• The National Guard supports ICE with processing and administrative tasks.

• The Department of Corrections works to transfer illegal immigrants from state custody to ICE custody.

The bust comes as President Donald Trump intensifies his national crackdown on drug trafficking, declaring a northern border emergency and continuing construction of the southern border wall. His administration is also targeting sanctuary city laws, with the Justice Department suing cities like New York for obstructing federal detention of illegal immigrants including dangerous criminals.

While cities such as New York, Los Angeles, and Chicago have faced lawsuits over their refusal to cooperate with ICE, South Dakota’s approach stands as an example of state-federal cooperation to combat both the drug trade and illegal immigration.

Governor Rhoden has vowed that the fight will continue. “We’re going to keep working with federal partners to protect our communities from those who bring crime and drugs into our state.”

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