SIoux Falls, SD – In a major blow to the Mexican cartel’s grip on the Midwest, a South Dakota court has sentenced Salvador Madrigal Jr., 32, to 33 years and 4 months in federal prison for his role in a large-scale methamphetamine trafficking operation.
The investigation, code-named Operation Three Sisters, was a joint effort between local, state, and federal agencies, including the Sioux Falls Police Department, the Drug Enforcement Administration, and the South Dakota Division of Criminal Investigation. The operation began when SFPD Narcotics Detectives received information about a couple in Sioux Falls who was selling large amounts of methamphetamine.
Members of the Sioux Falls Area Drug Task Force conducted an investigation into the couple, which resulted in the seizure of approximately two pounds of methamphetamine from their home. Investigators also located information at the home that led to the source of the illicit drugs.
That information was utilized by the DEA and DCI agents to conduct an investigation into an individual who was arranging to have methamphetamine brought to Sioux Falls from Mexico through California. Agents were then able to work up to two individuals in Mexico who were working to source narcotics to Sioux Falls and other areas.
As a result of the investigation, large quantities of methamphetamine, cocaine, and fentanyl were removed from the distribution stream. In all, the investigation revealed that more than 250 pounds of methamphetamine had been distributed in the community.
The investigation and subsequent prosecutions demonstrate the impact that significant information sharing can have in dismantling large drug distribution conspiracies. The key to reaching the source in Mexico was intelligence sharing and a willingness to work together by local, state, and federal agencies investigating different members of the conspiracy.
The Midwest HIDTA Outstanding Prosecution Award was given to those involved with Operation Three Sisters. Recipients of the award include agents from the SFPD, DCI, DEA, ATF, IRS, and SDHP, as well as Assistant U.S. Attorneys Mark Hodges and Elizabeth Ebert, Legal Administrative Specialist Lindsay Nicola (USAO), and Litigation Support Manager Jeff Peters (USAO).
Related Federal Cases
- Salvador Madrigal Jr.’s 33-Year Sentence: Crackdown on South Dakota Meth Trafficking · South Dakota
- Wicahpe ‘Chops’ Milk Gets 30 Years for Meth Trafficking · South Dakota
- Wicahpe ‘Chops’ Milk Sentenced to 30 Years for Meth Trafficking · South Dakota
- Brian Jackson, 64, Gets 10 Years in Meth Trafficking Case · South Dakota
- Marijuana Kingpin Gets 27 Months in Prison · South Dakota
Key Facts
- State: South Dakota
- Agency: DOJ USAO
- Category: Drug Trafficking
- Source: Official Source ↗
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