SIOUX FALLS, S.D. — A Las Vegas man, who authorities say played a major role in introducing powder fentanyl to the Sioux Falls area, has been convicted following a federal jury trial.
Quantiae Harris, 49, was found guilty of conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine, conspiracy to distribute fentanyl and conspiracy to commit money laundering after a five-day trial.
Testimony showed Harris led a drug trafficking organization responsible for distributing more than 100 pounds of methamphetamine and tens of thousands of fentanyl pills while it was operating. Investigators say the group was also among the first to bring powder fentanyl, an even more potent and dangerous form of the drug, into the Sioux Falls market. Since then, authorities say powder fentanyl has become the predominant illegal opioid in the area.
“This was a major bust of significant figure in the lurid underworld of illegal drugs. I’m incredibly proud of the team of federal, state, and local law enforcement officers and our federal prosecutors who made this case and secured the conviction of this Las Vegas drug dealer, responsible for so much misery and suffering in the Sioux Falls area,” said U.S. Attorney Ron Parsons.
According to prosecutors, Harris led a California and Nevada-based operation in 2023 and 2024 that transported large quantities of methamphetamine and fentanyl into South Dakota. The organization shipped drugs through the U.S. mail and used rental vehicles with hidden compartments to move drugs from California to Sioux Falls.
Once in the city, the group initially operated out of hotel rooms before shifting to short-term rental properties, including Airbnbs, which were used as bases to distribute drugs to local sub-dealers.
Prosecutors say the group avoided making sales at those locations. Instead, customers would call or text and be directed to meet at nearby public locations. The exchanges were quick, often lasting only seconds, and payments were made in cash or through online transfer services, most commonly Cash App.
Investigators say Harris and others vacuum-sealed cash proceeds and hid them in rental vehicles for return trips to Nevada and California. Some of the money was also deposited into local banks. Harris was directly linked to more than $1.2 million in money laundering transactions.
“In its pure powder form, it truly is a chemical weapon. If a member of your family used fentanyl in Sioux Falls over the past few years, this defendant is one of the primary drug dealers likely to have brought it here,” said Parsons.
Each of the drug conspiracy convictions carries a mandatory minimum sentence of 25 years and up to life in prison, along with a potential $20 million fine and at least 10 years to life of supervised release. The money laundering charge carries a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison, a fine of up to $500,000 or twice the value of the money involved, and up to three years of supervised release.
Sentencing is scheduled for June 15, 2026.
