Three defendants arrested as part of a major federal drug enforcement operation have pleaded not guilty to conspiracy to distribute a controlled substance.
Savannah Backward, Laci Ribitsch and Sara Clifford appeared in federal court Wednesday, one day after federal officials announced Operation Black Book, a multi-agency investigation that led to 14 arrests.
Investigators say the case involves a multi-state cocaine trafficking network accused of bringing kilogram quantities of cocaine into western South Dakota, including communities on the Pine Ridge Reservation.
According to federal authorities, the investigation has resulted in the seizure of approximately five kilograms of cocaine, more than 37 firearms, and more than 60 thousand dollars in cash.
U.S. Attorney Ronald Parsons says some members of the organization could face additional federal charges involving financial crimes and firearms offenses. Parsons described Operation Black Book as part of an ongoing effort to dismantle drug trafficking organizations and reduce violent crime in local communities.
The investigation is being led by the FBI Badlands Safe Trails Task Force, in coordination with the Drug Enforcement Administration and IRS Criminal Investigation, with support from state, local and tribal law enforcement agencies.
The defendants are presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.
