[KXLG – Lake Poinsett, SD]
A 19-year-old Estelline man is facing multiple drug-related charges after a routine traffic stop near Lake Poinsett late Friday night escalated into a drug investigation.
According to a press release from the Hamlin County Sheriff’s Office, a patrol deputy observed a suspicious vehicle parked outside the unoccupied Lake Poinsett Sportsman’s Club building shortly before midnight on Friday, May 30, 2025. The vehicle, occupied by two individuals, was stopped along SD Highway 28.
The deputy approached the car to investigate further and immediately detected an odor consistent with illegal substances coming from the vehicle and its occupants. This prompted a more thorough search, during which drugs and drug paraphernalia were discovered inside the vehicle.
Following the investigation, the 19-year-old passenger was arrested and transported to the Brookings County Detention Center. He now faces several charges, including:
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Possession of a Controlled Substance (Class 6 felony)
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Possession of Marijuana (Class 1 misdemeanor)
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Ingestion of a Substance to Become Intoxicated (Class 1 misdemeanor)
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Possession of Drug Paraphernalia (Class 2 misdemeanor)
The driver of the vehicle, a 20-year-old man also from Estelline, was cited for Possession of Drug Paraphernalia (Class 2 misdemeanor) but was not taken into custody.
Authorities noted that the passenger was later released on a personal recognizance bond and is scheduled to appear in Hamlin County court at a future date.
The incident underscores the ongoing concern surrounding drug use among young adults in rural communities. Law enforcement continues to be vigilant in monitoring suspicious activity, particularly in remote areas like Lake Poinsett, where unoccupied buildings and low foot traffic can attract illegal behavior.
The Hamlin County Sheriff’s Office has emphasized the importance of community awareness and encourages residents to report suspicious activity. “Late-night patrols like this one are part of our ongoing effort to deter criminal behavior and maintain safety in our community,” a spokesperson for the office stated.
As drug-related arrests continue to make headlines in the region, local law enforcement officials are reminding the public of the consequences of drug possession and use—and urging individuals struggling with substance abuse to seek help through appropriate channels before it leads to criminal charges.
