South Dakota authorities seized 207 pounds of crystal methamphetamine during a traffic stop on Interstate 90 in Sturgis, marking the largest single meth seizure in the state’s highway patrol history. Governor Larry Rhoden announced the arrest on Monday, confirming the suspect is an illegal alien now facing immigration proceedings, as reported by The New York Post.
According to a statement from the governor’s office, the 42-year-old man, whose name has not been released, was stopped by the South Dakota Highway Patrol for speeding approximately 100 miles west of the Wyoming border. A search of his vehicle uncovered 207 pounds of crystal meth, with an estimated street value of $12 million.
The suspect’s country of origin and the location of his detention were not disclosed. Authorities confirmed that he is in immigration proceedings following the arrest.
Governor Rhoden credited the bust to Operation Prairie Thunder, a state initiative enabling law enforcement to assist U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).
“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,” Rhoden 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.”
Operation Prairie Thunder operates under a 287(g) Task Force agreement between South Dakota and ICE. The agreement, signed earlier this year, authorizes South Dakota Highway Patrol officers to perform certain federal immigration enforcement duties, including arresting suspects without a warrant.
The 287(g) Task Force agreements were ended under the Obama and Biden administrations but reinstated by President Donald Trump on his first day back in office. As of May 2025, ICE reports that 40 states have at least one active 287(g) Task Force agreement.
Multiple agencies were involved in the South Dakota drug bust, including the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), the FBI, Homeland Security Investigations, the Meade County Sheriff’s Office, and the Rapid City Police Department.
Officials say the meth seizure represents a significant disruption to drug trafficking operations in the region. The ongoing investigation will determine the origin and intended distribution network for the drugs.
