United States Attorney Ronald A. Parsons, Jr. announced at a joint press conference in Rapid City, South Dakota, on July 21 that a coordinated law enforcement operation has led to the arrest of 14 individuals connected to a multi-state cocaine trafficking organization as part of Operation Take Back America.
Operation Black Book targeted an organization responsible for importing kilograms of cocaine into western South Dakota, including communities within the Pine Ridge Reservation. Authorities have seized over 37 firearms, more than $61,000 in cash, and approximately five kilograms of cocaine intended for distribution. The investigation was led by the FBI Badlands Safe Trails Task Force with assistance from the Drug Enforcement Administration and IRS-Criminal Investigation. Other agencies involved include the South Dakota National Guard Counter Drug Unit, South Dakota Highway Patrol, and Rapid City Police Department.
The first phase of arrests took place in Colorado on June 16 with three individuals detained for supplying cocaine to the group operating in South Dakota. The second phase began early July 21 and continued through the afternoon, resulting in a total of 14 arrests across locations including Pine Ridge Reservation, Rapid City, Box Elder (South Dakota), and Colorado. All arrestees have been federally indicted for conspiracy to distribute a controlled substance; some face additional charges related to financial crimes and firearms offenses. Officials stated that indictments are accusations only, and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty.
FBI Director Kash Patel said, “Today this FBI announced the results of Operation Black Book, with 14 arrests of drug trafficking organization members operating near the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation in Southwest South Dakota… This op is an example of how this FBI is committing never before seen resources to our Indian Country partners who have been wrongly forgotten for decades.” U.S. Attorney Parsons said, “Operation Black Book is the latest chapter in our mission to carry out this Administration’s directive to completely dismantle and eliminate drug trafficking organizations.”
Special Agent Christopher D. Dotson highlighted ongoing efforts under Operation Steadfast Promise: “Our agents and task forces are in the community and on tribal lands every day working to protect the public from gang members, drug traffickers, and transnational organized crime.” Additional officials from IRS-CI St. Louis Field Office, DEA Omaha Field Division, South Dakota Attorney General’s office, and Bureau of Indian Affairs also acknowledged collaborative efforts among federal, state, local, and tribal law enforcement agencies.
The U.S. Attorney for the District of South Dakota serves as chief federal law enforcement officer covering all federal criminal prosecutions and civil cases within its jurisdiction while supporting initiatives aimed at improving public safety across communities it serves, according to the official website.