By Matthew Gruchow
The Sioux Falls Argus Leader
SIOUX FALLS, S.D. — Members of the Sioux Falls Area Drug Task Force on Wednesday arrested six people in Sioux Falls after officers intercepted a package containing several thousands of dollars worth of marijuana and hashish.
A delivery service attempted to deliver a package to 1515 S. Norton Ave. on Wednesday, but the resident who answered the door, Jeremy Lentsch, refused the package because he did not recognize the name on it, police spokesman Loren McManus said. The delivery service, per its policy, opened the package at the company, discovered the drugs and notified authorities, McManus said.
The package contained about $10,000 worth of drugs.
A narcotics officer then delivered the package to the South Norton home. Jeremy Lentsch’s brother, Robert, had anticipated the delivery and accepted the package, McManus said.
“Detectives are fairly confident that (Jeremy Lentsch) didn’t know this package was coming,” he said.
Some of the drugs were packaged in plastic wrap inside clear plastic bowls, while other, smaller portions were wrapped in aluminum foil.
Through talking with those at the home, police were able to obtain a search warrant for apartments on Valhalla Boulevard, McManus said.
The following were arrested:
Christopher Jay Bootsma, 19, of 4403 W. Valhalla Blvd. No. 23, faces charges of distribution or manufacture of a controlled drug, possession with intent to distribute 1 pound or more of marijuana, possession of a controlled drug, possession of marijuana between 1 and 10 pounds, possession or use of drug paraphernalia, and maintaining a place where drugs are kept, sold or used.
Travis Michael Vanwyk, 27, 4403 W. Valhalla Blvd., faces charges of possession of a controlled drug, distribution or manufacture of a controlled drug, possession of marijuana between 1 and 10 pounds, possession with the intent to distribute more than 1 pound of marijuana, and warrants out of Moody County.
Robert Bruce Lentsch, 22, of 1515 S. Norton Ave. No. 4, faces charges of distribution or manufacture of a controlled drug, possession of marijuana between 1 and 10 pounds, and possession of a controlled drug or substance.
Corey Michael Jahn, 22, of 4405 W. Valhalla Blvd. No. 23, faces charges of distribution or manufacture of a controlled drug, possession with intent to distribute 1 or more pounds of marijuana, possession of a controlled drug or substance, and possession of marijuana between 1 and 10 pounds.
Jeremy Richard Lentsch, 30, 1515 S. Norton Ave. No. 4, faces charges of possession of marijuana 2 ounces or less and possession of drug paraphernalia.
Nicole Ann Straatmeyer, 18, of 4403 W. Valhalla Blvd. No. 22, faces charges of possession of a controlled drug or substance and maintaining a place where drugs are kept, sold or used.
U.S. Attorney Marty Jackley said drugs do enter South Dakota through the mail and other delivery services.
“I think it would be safe to say the primary form of courier would be through vehicle transportation,” he said.
Copyright 2008 The Sioux Falls Argus Leader