Suspected fentanyl, guns, and cash seized in OST DPS “Safe Homelands” Operation

PINE RIDGE, S.D. — Suspected fentanyl, concealed guns, and a large amount of cash tied to drug trafficking are just some of the items Oglala Sioux Tribe Department of Public Safety officials say they seized during a recent “Safe Homelands” operation.

 

The effort, conducted in the second half of October, involved OST DPS Highway Safety Troopers, Patrol K9 Teams, and Bureau of Indian Affairs partners. Officials say several traffic stops for impaired and DUI drivers led to further investigations and search warrants.

Authorities ultimately seized methamphetamine, cocaine, suspected counterfeit fentanyl, five concealed firearms, and alcoholic beverages linked to illegal distribution. They also recovered a large amount of U.S. currency believed to be connected to drug sales.

 

Three people were arrested on bootlegging-related charges, and four others — who were prohibited from possessing firearms — were found with guns, according to OST DPS.

 

Officials said the operation is part of ongoing efforts to disrupt the flow of deadly narcotics and reduce violent crime across the Pine Ridge Reservation.

The department is urging community members to help by reporting suspicious activity. Tips can be shared with the OST Department of Public Safety at 605-867-5111 or through the Zuercher Portal at https://oglala-pd-sd.zuercherportal.com/#/.