The Pennington County Sheriff’s Office is, yet again, reporting an increase in drug related crime throughout the county.
Although drug arrests fell slightly last year, the Sheriff’s Office says things are once again on the rise.
They say a huge part of the problem is the addiction and repeat offenders of those who abuse methamphetamine, making up 70-percent of arrests in 2019.
In response to the increase in drugs flooding the area, the Rapid City Fire Department set up a mock car accident where a drug dealer fled the scene, leaving behind dangerous chemicals. The training is necessary, because Jordan Johnson, Journeyman Firefighter and Paramedic, says when drugs are involved, potential fire hazards increase with the possibility of injuries.