
South Dakota Prison Dismantles Major Drug Smuggling Operation
A major drug-smuggling ring has been uncovered inside South Dakota's correctional facilities.
How is it happening?
The Department of Corrections says an internal investigation has revealed three methods that were being used to get dangerous contraband inside prison walls in South Dakota:
- Counterfeit packages imitating well-known manufacturers with large amounts of drugs sent in through these packages
- The privileged mail system, such as counterfeit legal mail
- The actions of visitors, including family members and friends, bringing drugs into the prison during visitation, which contributed to the death of at least one inmate

Overdose deaths behind bars
Three inmate deaths, including two during May and one in February, are linked to drug overdoses in DOC facilities in Sioux Falls. Two of the overdoses happened at the Jameson Annex, while one occurred at the South Dakota State Penitentiary.
Investigations launched
An investigation involving the Inspector General’s Office, Division of Criminal Investigation, and the U.S. Postmaster General is ongoing. If the results of the investigation warrant prosecution, criminal charges will be sought. We will continue to counter every attempt to introduce dangerous contraband into our facilities.
New procedures
The introduction of drugs in the prison facilities has led to the DOC enacting non-contact visits for family and friends of offenders in certain facilities. Non-contact visits may be expanded to other prison facilities. Additional policy changes are also under review.
READ MORE: South Dakota Fugitive Featured on ‘America’s Most Wanted’
Anyone who delivers or procures to be delivered, or possesses with the intent to deliver, to any inmate in a state correctional facility a prescription or nonprescription drug or controlled substance, except as authorized by the Department of Corrections, is guilty of a Class 4 felony, punishable by up to ten years in prison and a fine of twenty thousand dollars.
Assault Investigation
News of the drug bust comes on the heels of a very violent day at the South Dakota Penitentiary.
Attorney General Marty Jackley says investigations are underway about reports of multiple assaults involving inmates on Tuesday (May 27).
Authorities say the incidents occurred in different sections of the Jameson Annex at the same time and appear to be gang-related. Five inmates received stab wounds. Three were transported to Sioux Falls hospitals, and the other two were treated inside the prison.
Additional inmates were injured from assaults involving homemade blunt objects, and others with fists and feet. An estimated 10 inmates were injured.
No staff members were injured.
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