State Awards Drug K-9 Funding to Pennington County, Box Elder

The South Dakota Attorney General’s Office has awarded funding to support new drug detection K‑9 programs in Pennington County and Box Elder. The Pennington County Sheriff’s Office will receive up to $60,000 to purchase and train two drug detection dogs, while the Box Elder Police Department will receive up to $93,000 to establish its own K‑9 unit. Attorney General Marty Jackley said the funding will strengthen local efforts to combat illegal drugs. Law enforcement leaders said the additional K‑9s will help address drug-related crime, particularly methamphetamine, and improve safety across the region. The funding comes from the Attorney General’s Drug Control Fund, which is supported by drug forfeiture money and has distributed more than $221,000 statewide this year. Selection of the K‑9s and handlers is expected this summer, with training completed by early fall.