Narcotics Section

The Narcotics Section is responsible for the investigation of cases involving the use, distribution, manufacture, and diversion of illegal drugs and controlled substances. This section also investigates reports of prostitution, gambling, arson, weapon and liquor violations, along with other vice activity. The burden of raiding and dismantling clandestine drug laboratories also falls upon this section. Most of these clandestine laboratories involve the manufacture of methamphetamine; however, some marijuana grow operations were also found and dismantled by the clan lab team. The number of clandestine methamphetamine labs remained low again this year in comparison to years past. Sioux Falls Area Drug Task Force anticipates a continued increase in cocaine availability and a decline in methamphetamine availability in the near term. Along with methamphetamine, marijuana continues to be the predominate drug of abuse in the Sioux Falls area.

The Narcotics Section is staffed with one Lieutenant, one Sergeant, five Investigators, and a Division Clerk. All of the sworn officers are also deputized in Minnehaha and Lincoln Counties, as many narcotics investigations are multi-jurisdictional involving various communities in the greater Sioux Falls area. This group is further part of the Sioux Falls Area Drug Task Force which includes law enforcement officers from the Minnehaha County Sheriff’s Office, South Dakota Division of Criminal Investigation (DCI), South Dakota National Guard (crime analyst), United States Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA), the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), and Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). The Sioux Falls Area Drug Task Force also works closely with law enforcement officers from the United States Postal Service, FBI, South Dakota Attorney General’s Office, and the United States Attorney’s Office. The Sioux Falls Police Department recognizes that law enforcement in and of themselves cannot combat this problem alone. Because of this, the Sioux Falls Area Drug Task Force continues to work with many other nonlaw enforcement groups and organizations to help with the prevention, treatment, and enforcement associated with drug abuse in our community.

2008 Quick Facts:

• Number of narcotics cases investigated: 1,444
• Search warrants executed: 45
• Methamphetamine seized: 1,850.92 grams
• Cocaine (powder) seized: 1,436.93 grams
• Cocaine (crack) seized: 12.97 grams
• Marijuana seized: 21,160.74 grams
• Cash seized: $91,172