The eighth set of saturation patrols in South Dakota’s Operation: Prairie Thunder concluded Friday, Dec. 5, 2025. The patrols were conducted in Belle Fourche, Huron, and Yankton. This was the second operation in those communities, following patrols conducted there Nov. 12-14.
“Operation: Prairie Thunder continues to do great work to keep South Dakota strong, safe, and free. Our saturation patrols are getting drugs off the streets and putting criminals behind bars – first in Sioux Falls, and now we’re protecting even more communities,” said Governor Larry Rhoden.
This multi-community approach reflects the operation’s broader goal to strengthen safety across the entire state. By conducting patrols in different regions and tailoring efforts to each community’s needs, Operation: Prairie Thunder works to detect and deter crime and address unsafe behavior on the roads wherever it occurs.
The focused saturation patrols bring together the Highway Patrol and city, county, and federal law enforcement partners, ensuring that agencies from across South Dakota can share resources and support one another’s community-based public safety efforts.
Results for operations seven and eight, and a cumulative total from all eight operations, are attached.
The Highway Patrol is an agency of the South Dakota Department of Public Safety.
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