Aug. 12, 2025:
A 42-year-old man from Fresno, CA, has been indicted on two felony counts after he was arrested Friday night (Aug. 8, 2025) transporting 207 pounds of crystal methamphetamine in Sturgis. The case is being prosecuted by the Attorney General’s Office and the Meade County State’s Attorney.
Alonso Molinacorona, who is a Mexican national, was indicted by a Meade County Grand Jury of one count of Possession of Methamphetamine, of more than five grams, with Intent to Distribute, and one alternate count of Unauthorized Possession of a Controlled Drug or Substance. The first count is a Class Three Felony that carries a mandatory minimum sentence of one year in prison and a maximum sentence of 15 years in prison and a $30,000 fine. The alternate count is a Class Five Felony which carries a maximum sentence of five years in prison and a $10,000 fine.
Molinacorona was stopped by a South Dakota Highway Patrol trooper for speeding on Interstate 90 in Sturgis. The drugs were discovered in the vehicle.
Molinacorona made his first appearance in Meade County Court on Monday and pleaded not guilty. His next court appearance is scheduled for 4 p.m. MDT on Sept. 10, 2025. The defendant is being held without bond. He is presumed innocent under the U.S. Constitution.
“Meth of any amount is dangerous, but distribution of meth with a street value of $12 million would have led to grave consequences for our citizens,” said Attorney General Marty Jackley. “I appreciate the excellent work of the South Dakota Highway Patrol in stopping and arresting this defendant.”
Assisting agencies include the South Dakota Division of Criminal Investigation, U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration, Federal Bureau of Investigation, Homeland Security Investigations, Meade County Sheriff’s Office, and Rapid City Police Department.
Jackley expects federal charges to be filed as well.
Aug. 11, 2025:
South Dakota Governor Larry Rhoden announced a record drug seizure by the South Dakota Highway Patrol.
The Highway Patrol apprehended a 42-year-old male who was stopped Saturday night (Aug. 9, 2025, at 7:57pm) 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.
“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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