TEA, S.D. — A Tea, South Dakota man described by federal prosecutors as the local leader of a large-scale drug trafficking operation has been sentenced to 21 years in federal prison.
Matthew Shade, 48, was convicted of conspiracy to distribute a controlled substance after authorities say he played a central role in bringing fentanyl and hundreds of pounds of methamphetamine into the Sioux Falls area.
“In all likelihood, the fentanyl and methamphetamine seized from this criminal’s operation would have killed some people who are alive right now in Sioux Falls. This investigation, prosecution, and substantial federal prison sentence has given them another chance at life. I will never stop being grateful for that,” said U.S. Attorney Ron Parsons.
According to investigators, Shade’s operation obtained methamphetamine and fentanyl from Arizona and distributed the drugs throughout South Dakota. The drugs were trafficked through both the U.S. mail and cross-country trips by vehicle.
The investigation began to take shape in December 2024, when authorities intercepted a package containing more than four pounds of methamphetamine. They later seized two parcels sent from Sioux Falls to Arizona that contained approximately $26,000 in cash.
Authorities eventually learned that Shade’s Arizona-based supplier was traveling to South Dakota by car. The South Dakota Highway Patrol conducted a traffic stop, during which troopers found approximately 26 pounds of methamphetamine and more than 2,000 fentanyl pills.
Investigators later intercepted another package bound for Sioux Falls containing 144 grams of fentanyl powder. A search warrant executed at Shade’s residence in Tea uncovered additional drugs, including 80 grams of methamphetamine, 22 fentanyl pills, along with scales and other drug-related items.
Officials say the investigation revealed Shade organized shipments of drugs and cash between Arizona and South Dakota and supplied multiple distributors who then redistributed methamphetamine in the Sioux Falls area.
In total, investigators estimate the operation trafficked approximately 200 pounds of methamphetamine into the region.
