Federal prosecutors on Tuesday announced charges against 14 people accused of participating in a multi-state cocaine trafficking organization that allegedly distributed large quantities of cocaine in western South Dakota, including Rapid City and the Pine Ridge Reservation.
U.S. Attorney Ron Parsons said the indictments are part of Operation Black Book, a joint investigation involving federal, state, local and tribal law enforcement agencies in South Dakota and Colorado. Authorities said the 18-month investigation resulted in the seizure of approximately five kilograms of cocaine with a street value of nearly $500,000, more than 37 firearms, and over $60,000 in cash.
According to Parsons, three alleged suppliers were arrested in Colorado on June 16, while the remaining defendants were taken into custody during a coordinated law enforcement operation Tuesday. FBI Special Agent in Charge Christopher Dotson said all 14 defendants are now in custody.
The defendants charged with conspiracy to distribute cocaine are from Colorado, Rapid City, Box Elder and Pine Ridge. Some also face additional federal firearms and financial crime charges. Prosecutors said the investigation remains ongoing and additional charges could be filed.
Officials said the case involved nearly 50 search warrants and 900 subpoenas and targeted drug trafficking routes supplying South Dakota communities and tribal lands.
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