Pennington County, SD – A large-scale drug trafficking investigation led by the Unified Narcotics Enforcement Team (UNET) has concluded with the successful prosecution and sentencing of the primary suspect, 38-year-old Cruz Mario Lara Larios. Larios has been sentenced to ten years in federal prison following his guilty plea for trafficking large quantities of methamphetamine into the Rapid City area.
The investigation, initiated in May 2023, focused on a significant narcotics courier believed to be transporting methamphetamine and cocaine from out of state to Rapid City. Through extensive investigative efforts, Larios was identified as the central figure in a drug trafficking organization responsible for importing and distributing narcotics throughout our community. Approximately 24 pounds of methamphetamine and three pounds of marijuana were seized during the investigation.
In February 2025, Larios was sentenced to ten years in federal prison. Upon completion of his sentence, he will be deported to Mexico, as determined by federal authorities.
While this arrest marks a significant milestone, the investigation is ongoing. UNET remains committed to identifying and dismantling drug trafficking organizations that threaten the safety and wellbeing of the local community. These drugs often originate from Mexico and are transported through states like Washington, Colorado, and California before reaching South Dakota. Our mission is to stop these organizations before they cause irreparable harm to our community.
The Unified Narcotics Enforcement Team (UNET) is a South Dakota Division of Criminal Investigation-led task force that includes the Pennington County Sheriff’s Office, Rapid City Police Department, South Dakota Highway Patrol, and the South Dakota Division of Criminal Investigation. UNET collaborates closely with federal partners including the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), U.S. Postal Service, U.S. Army National Guard, and the U.S. Attorney’s Office.
