RAPID CITY, S.D. — A Fresno, California, man has been sentenced to more than four years in federal prison following what state officials say is the largest methamphetamine seizure in South Dakota Highway Patrol history.
Alonso Molina-Corona, 43, was stopped for speeding on Interstate 90 during the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally in August 2025. During the traffic stop, a state trooper discovered more than 92 kilograms (about 200 pounds) of methamphetamine inside his vehicle.
Gov. Larry Rhoden said the drugs had an estimated street value of $12 million.
“Meth of any amount is dangerous, but distribution of meth with a street value of $12 million would have led to grave consequences for our citizens,” Attorney General Mary Jackley said in a statement.
A federal grand jury indicted Molina-Corona in August 2025 on a charge of conspiracy to distribute a controlled substance. He pleaded guilty in March 2026.
Molina-Corona was sentenced to four years and two months in federal prison. He will also serve five years of supervised release and was ordered to pay a $100 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.
