On June 9th, 2023, at approximately 3:48pm a 911 call was received stating that a male had overdosed on fentanyl at 657 30th Ave SW in Stark County, ND. Stark County Deputies and the Dickinson Ambulance responded to the residence. The 911 caller disconnected and did not remain on scene, render aid, or cooperate with law enforcement. First responders entered the residence and discovered a 38-year-old male unresponsive in an upstairs bedroom. Lifesaving measures were successful, and the male was transported by ambulance to CHI St. Alexius in Dickinson for further treatment.
During the course of the OD investigation deputies observed multiple items of drug paraphernalia and evidence related to the possible distribution of controlled substances. Deputies secured the residence and called for the assistance of the Southwest Narcotics Task Force to conduct an investigation into the OD and the illicit items located in the residence.
During the investigation, a Stark County K9 was deployed on a suspicious package located at the residence that was suspected to contain controlled substances. The K9 handler indicated that the dog had alerted to the presence of controlled substances in the package. Based on the investigation, a search warrant was sought and was issued for the residence to include the suspicious package. The warrant was executed and resulted in the discovery of numerous controlled substances including over 1,000g of methamphetamine as well as other items indicative of drug trafficking.
It should be noted that typical user amounts of methamphetamine vary from tenths of a gram to 3.5 grams with one gram typically being sold for $40- $100 depending on the area and the source of the drugs. Given the large amount of methamphetamine and the means by which it is being trafficked, no suspect information will be included with this release.
The SWNTF has identified multiple suspects in the case and is actively working with our local, state, and federal partners to investigate and resolve the case.
The Southwest Narcotics Task Force operates as a combined group of agents assigned from their parent agencies including the Dickinson Police Department, Dunn County Sheriff’s Office, Golden Valley County Sheriff’s Office, Stark County Sheriff’s Office, and the ND BCI. The SWNTF is funded by participating cities and counties including Adams, Billings, Golden Valley, Dunn, Hettinger, Slope, and Stark. The cities of Belfield, Dickinson, Medora, and the North Dakota Bureau of Criminal Investigation.
