(KXLG – Watertown, SD) A recent investigation into methamphetamine distribution culminated in a sizable drug arrest in Northeast Watertown on Friday, May 2nd, 2025, according to a press release from the Watertown Police Department.
At approximately 6:55 PM, law enforcement executed a search warrant at a residence in the northeast part of the city. The operation resulted in the seizure of approximately one pound of methamphetamine, a substantial amount of the highly addictive drug. Authorities also confiscated $6,500 in cash, two firearms, and additional items considered to be of evidentiary value.
The subject of the investigation, identified as Bradley James Raderschadt, was apprehended and now faces multiple felony charges. These include conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine, possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine, possession of a controlled drug or substance, ingesting a controlled drug or substance, and possession of drug paraphernalia.
The sheer quantity of methamphetamine seized underscores the potential impact on the local community. Police estimate the street value of one pound of the drug to be between $10,000 and $14,000. To put this into perspective, user amounts of methamphetamine typically range from just one to 3.5 grams. This single pound could have been divided into a staggering 130 to 450 individual doses.
Raderschadt is being held at the Codington County Detention Center. His bond is $10,000 cash.
The Watertown Police Department emphasized the severe dangers associated with methamphetamine, highlighting its highly addictive nature. They also provided a vital resource for individuals struggling with addiction or for those who know someone in need of help, urging them to contact the Human Service Agency Addiction Services at 605-886-0123.
It is important to remember that, as with all legal proceedings, Bradley James Raderschadt is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. This incident, however, serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing efforts by local law enforcement to combat drug trafficking and its impact on the Watertown community.
