FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

August 11, 2025

Contact: Josie Harms

Highway Patrol Makes Record Meth Seizure

Non-Citizen Offender Shows Urgent Need for Operation: Prairie Thunder

STURGIS, S.D. – Today, Governor Larry Rhoden announced a record drug seizure by the South Dakota Highway Patrol, showing the urgent need for Operation: Prairie Thunder.

The Highway Patrol apprehended a 42-year-old male who was stopped while driving and found to be transporting approximately 207 pounds of crystal methamphetamine with a street value of $12 million. This is the largest meth seizure in Highway Patrol history. The driver was found to be a non-citizen and is now in immigration proceedings. A photo of the meth seizure can be found here.

“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,” said Governor Larry Rhoden. “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.”

This is the eighth non-citizen stopped by the Highway Patrol since its 287(g) agreement was signed with the Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). In these instances, the Highway Patrol works closely with ICE to coordinate transfer to federal custody, which is a key, ongoing component of Operation: Prairie Thunder.

The driver was a 42-year-old male initially stopped for speeding on Interstate 90 in Sturgis by a Highway Patrol trooper. The driver exhibited behaviors consistent with criminal activity. During the stop, a police service dog alerted the trooper to the presence of an odor it is trained to detect. A search of the vehicle then yielded 207.24 pounds of crystal methamphetamine, valued at approximately $12 million. The vehicle was seized as part of the investigation.

The driver is charged with:

• Felony Distribution/Manufacturing of a Controlled Substance II;
• Felony Possession of a Controlled Drug/Substance Schedule II; and
• Misdemeanor Possession or use of Drug Paraphernalia.

The driver is presumed innocent on all charges under the U.S. Constitution.

Assisting agencies include the Drug Enforcement Administration, Federal Bureau of Investigation, Homeland Security Investigations, South Dakota Division of Criminal Investigation, Meade County Sheriff’s Office, and Rapid City Police Department.

The Highway Patrol is an agency of the South Dakota Department of Public Safety.

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