United States Drug Enforcement Administration

SIOUX FALLS, S.D. – Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) offices in South Dakota reported a 43% increase in fentanyl powder seizures and 41% decrease in counterfeit pill seizures in 2025 falling in line with a nationwide trend. 

Across the United States, the DEA has noticed a shift away from pill production with cartels opting instead for the cost savings associated with fentanyl powder production and distribution. Agents in South Dakota have seen powder, which decreased in purity from nearly 20% to 10.3%, mixed into other substances including methamphetamine, cocaine and heroin.

“These numbers should further enforce the fact that fentanyl knows no boundaries,” DEA Omaha Field Division Special Agent in Charge Dustin Gillespie said. “Too often we think the Midwest is insulated from the effects of this poison impacting cities along the coasts. This couldn’t be further from the truth as cities from Mitchell to Rapid City have faced their own fight against a substance that continues to take lives and destroy families.”

Across the state, DEA agents seized more than four pounds of fentanyl and roughly 27,500 counterfeit pills. Together, these totals are estimated at 146,000 fatal doses removed from South Dakota communities. As a visual, by these numbers, roughly one in four attendees at the 85th annual Sturis Rally in 2025 would have lost their lives to fentanyl.

While fentanyl remains the deadliest drug threat facing the nation, it’s worth noting that agents also reported a jump in both methamphetamine and cocaine seizures in South Dakota. More than 300 pounds of methamphetamine were seized in 2025 along with close to 40 pounds of cocaine.

The DEA remains committed to removing fentanyl and other illicit substances from South Dakota and the entire United States. Last fall, the DEA kicked off Fentanyl Free America which focuses on enforcement, education, increased awareness and strategic partnerships to aid in eliminating the threats facing the country.

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