Federal investigation targets alleged cocaine trafficking on Pine Ridge Reservation
Bureau of Indian Affairs says multiagency operation led to indictments, drug seizures and arrests
A Bureau of Indian Affairs-led investigation targeting an alleged cocaine trafficking network operating in western South Dakota, including the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation, has resulted in 14 federal indictments and multiple enforcement actions, according to a Bureau of Indian Affairs news release.
The investigation, known as Operation Black Book, involved tribal, federal, state and local law enforcement agencies and focused on an organization accused of transporting cocaine from the Denver metropolitan area to Rapid City and the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation.
Investigators seized about five kilograms of cocaine, about 30 firearms and about $65,000 in cash during the investigation, according to the Bureau of Indian Affairs press release. The agency said more than 50 federal search warrants and court orders were executed. The Bureau of Indian Affairs noted that the charges are allegations and all defendants are presumed innocent unless proven guilty in a court of law.
- 1.Cocaine Distribution Network Impacting Pine Ridge Reservation brought down by BIA-initiated investigation. Bureau of Indian Affairs, .
We provide the independent reporting that non-Native, extractive outlets often overlook. We give our communities the context and the facts they need to make informed decisions.
