KSFY

The rate of violent crime in South Dakota has nearly doubled over the last 10 years, and now this disturbing trend is getting some national attention.

Congresswoman Noem blames the uptick in violent crime on increased drug trafficking through the state, especially when it comes to meth.

Now she's hoping to get the federal government to join an effort already being implemented across the state to stop the spread of this dangerous drug.

"People are getting robbed because of it, people are dying because of it," said Sheriff Mike Milstead with Minnehaha County.

Milstead says it's been a challenging time for local law enforcement.

"In Minnehaha County, I had 10 murders last year and two the year before," said Milstead.

Milstead says in a high volume of those cases, drugs are involved.

"People are dangerous when they are addicted to some of those drugs. It doesn't account for all of our crimes, but it certainly accounts for part of it," he said.

In a letter to Attorney General Jeff Sessions, Rep. Kristi Noem asks to meet with him to figure out a plan to fight the drug epidemic in South Dakota and other rural states.

"Will her voice be heard, I hope so. Bringing from a rural perspective, that we are really struggling here to is not a bad thing," added Milstead.

Milstead says he's happy state leaders are taking action and realizing they need help.

"Opening the eyes to people who may think that South Dakota and states like us don't suffer from this like other parts of the country, it's probably a good thing to bring that to his attention," stated Milstead.

It's the attention he believes the state needs to help law enforcement take on the battle.

"Treatment side available and affordable treatment opportunities who have loved ones that are addicted," he said.

In 2016 alone, Sioux Falls Police confiscated more than half-a-million dollars worth of the drug off the streets.