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Officials in South Dakota have just announced a record breaking meth bust. Alonso Molinacorona (42) was arrested in Sturgis after being accused of transporting hundreds of pounds of meth in South Dakota. Law enforcement is calling this the “largest meth seizure in Highway Patrol history.”
Molinacorona was pulled over by a trooper for speeding on I-90, and a service dog ended up finding more than 207 pounds of crystal meth. The street value came out to $12 million dollars.
Operation Prairie Thunder
The takedown is the latest success of Operation Prairie Thunder., a targeted initiative aiming to dismantle drug trafficking networks across South Dakota. Rhoden says, “When it comes to safety, one of our biggest opportunities to move the needle is right here in Sioux Falls…” He claims, “We are taking decisive action to hold criminals accountable and protect our communities.”
Attorney General Marty Jackley and the Meade County State’s Attorney are prosecuting the case, and Jackley believes federal charges may be filed in addition to other charges. Molincacorona faces one count of possession of methamphetamine with intent to distribute, which is punishable by up to 15 years in prison. He is also charged with possession of a controlled substance which could result in an additional five years in prison.
Debating Legalities
There is some debate about the immigration status of Monlinacorona. He was described as an illegal immigrant by several media outlets but a spokesperson for Gov. Larry Rhoden claims that Molinicorona was in the country legally during his arrest.
According to officials Molinacorona is still required to partake in immigration proceedings and is in federal custody, however. U.S. immigration law also mandates that non-citizens who are convicted of drug trafficking may face deportation, regardless of their immigration status.
Gov. Larry Rhoden states that eight non-citizen arrests have been made by the South Dakota Highway Patrol since a state agreement with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).
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