An illegal immigrant was arrested in South Dakota while transporting $12 million in methamphetamine — the largest single seizure of the drug in the state Highway Patrol’s history, Gov. Larry Rhoden announced on Monday.
The 42-year-old man, who was not identified, was pulled over during a traffic stop by South Dakota Highway Patrol while he was speeding on Interstate 90 in Sturgis, roughly 100 miles west of the Wyoming border, according to a press release from the governor’s office.
Turns out, the driver was carting a staggering 207 pounds of crystal meth in his vehicle — roughly the same weight of an adult black bear.
Authorities emptied out his vehicle and recovered stash, which has a street value of approximately $12 million, according to the release.
The suspect was “found to be a non-citizen and is now in immigration proceedings,” according to the release. His country of origin and where he was detained is unclear.
The drug bust was part of the governor’s Operation Prairie Thunder, which allows law enforcement in the state to assist Immigration and Customs Enforcement.
“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,” Roden said.
“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.”
In early 2025, Roden also entered into an agreement with ICE that gave the state’s Highway Patrol officers the ability to “perform certain immigration enforcement functions,” including the power to arrest without a warrant.
The 287(g) Task Force agreements were discontinued under the Obama and Biden administrations, but reintroduced by President Trump on the day of his inauguration.
As of May 2025, 40 states have at least one active 287(g) Task Force agreement in place, according to ICE.
Other agencies involved in the investigation include the Drug Enforcement Administration, FBI, Homeland Security Investigations, Meade County Sheriff’s Office and Rapid City Police Department, according to the release.
