Two Brookings men arrested for cocaine distribution

Police arrest two Brookings men for distribution of cocaine.

Detective Adam Smith says police received information in November about cocaine being distributed in the city.

A joint investigation was initiated with the DEA, Division of Criminal Investigation, South Dakota Highway Patrol, and the US Postal Service.

It was learned a package containing cocaine would be delivered to a residence in Brookings on March 3rd. Officers conducted surveillance and observed the delivery.

Smith says 25-year-old Malcolm Alvarado Rodriguez was seen leaving the residence with the package, getting into a vehicle with 43-year-old Michael Rodriguez Rivera.

Officers conducted a traffic stop and a Highway Patrol K9 detected drugs. The package was found; it contained about nine ounces of cocaine. Officers also seized some $1,300 cash.

Rodriquez was arrested for distribution of a controlled substance, distribution in a drug-free zone and two felony arrest warrants. Rivera was arrested for distribution of a controlled substance.

March 7, 2023