South Dakota Highway Patrol makes record $12 million meth seizure in Sturgis

STURGIS, S.D. (KVRR) — South Dakota Highway Patrol has made a record meth seizure and arrest in Sturgis.

They stopped a 42-year-old man for speeding on Interstate 90.

During the stop, a police service dog alerted the trooper to the presence of an odor it is trained to detect.

The trooper found around 207 pounds of crystal meth in the vehicle with a street value of $12 million.

They say it is the largest meth seizure in Highway Patrol history.

The driver was found to be a non-citizen and is now in immigration proceedings.

“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 an agreement was signed with Immigration and Customs Enforcement.

The annual Sturgis Motorcycle Rally just concluded on Sunday.