On Wednesday, February 1, 2023, the Brookings Police Department conducted a drug operation in the 2400 block of Sixth Street, which led to the traffic stop of a vehicle on Interstate 29 at mile marker 134 north of Brookings.
Officers located and seized approximately 150 grams of methamphetamine, 100 grams of crack cocaine, 1.4 grams of heroin, and $2,000 cash. A 2-year-old child was in the vehicle at the time of the stop and was turned over to the Department of Social Services.
Verran Burdunice, 59, of Brooklyn Center, Minn., was arrested for distribution of a controlled substance, two counts of possession of a controlled substance with the intent to distribute, possession of drug paraphernalia, and child abuse/neglect. Burdunice was transported to the Brookings County Jail and bond was set at $25,000 cash only. He has seven prior controlled substance distributions listed on his criminal history.
For media inquiries and information regarding the information contained within this press release, please contact Detective Adam Smith with the Brookings Police Department at asmith@cityofbrookings-sd.gov.