During the press conference, Shea pointed to the pandemic for the rise in drug use and overdoses. Los Angeles, one of nine cities targeted by Operation Crystal Shield, is a hub for drug traffickers because of the proximity to numerous freeways and airports. Oftentimes, drug-endangered children are left to fend for themselves and the TADEC is committed to providing these children an opportunity to be protected from an environment they have done nothing to cause and from which they should have some recourse. A 28-year-old woman was arrested Saturday following a drug bust during which police found more than 183 grams of suspected heroin/fentanyl, the Anne Arundel County Police Department said. Shelby County Jail records confirmed Cruz and Aguiarviera were booked into the Shelby County Jail on Friday and charged with possession of a controlled substance with intent to manufacture or sell. Elsewhere they found another 52 kilos of meth. He does not appear to have been charged with a federal offense. Individuals indicted could face a minimum of 10 years in jail or a maximum of life in prison, according to the DOJ. Reducingviolent crime by networking withlocal programs that targetviolent crime and providing these programs with tools to be successful. by Larcom Web Design As a result of the search warrant, agents located and seized 12 ounces of marijuana, three grams of heroin and 2.5 pounds of methamphetamine from the residence. The exact location of the crash wasn't immediately clear. MEMPHIS, Tenn. Seventeen people have been charged in federal court with conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine, heroin, fentanyl, cocaine and marijuana into and throughout West. ( Drew Angerer/Getty Images), This is just another example of illegal cell phones being used by convicted felons to communicate and conspire with criminals in the free-world to proliferate criminal activity, Tennessee Department of Corrections Commissioner Tony Parker said in a statement. Each defendants role in the drug trafficking conspiracy is outlined in the criminal complaint: Terry Smith, a/k/a "Ali," a/k/a "Cockeye", 33 of Lauderdale County (TDOC Custody), Rodney Ayers, a/k/a "P-Rod," 47 of Shelby County, Horace McNeary, a/k/a "HB," 35 of Henry County, Brianna Norsworthy, 23 of Calloway County, Kentucky, Dustin Chambers, a/k/a "SNOW," 35 of Madison County, Anthony Hines, a/k/a "BYRD," 41 of Shelby County, Teddy Reed, a/k/a "PT," 40 of Shelby County, Danielle Cunningham, 35 of Shelby County, Aerielle Coleman, 31 of Shelby County, and, James Dumas, a/k/a "DOO DOO," 45 of Shelby County, Terry Smith, a/k/a "ALI," a/k/a "COCKEYE", Tracy Coleman, 49 of Shelby County, and, Terry Smith, a/k/a "ALI," a/k/a "COCKEYE. Court appearanceshave yet to beset for the 14suspects who will go before US District Court in Nashville. Someone whos responsible for this quantity of drugs is someone who is very, very trusted by the cartels, Bodner said. Published She lived 30-40 minutes from the house, according to the government. KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (WVLT) - The University of Tennessee's campus police and Knoxville Police Department executed a search warrant for narcotics 1618 Forest Avenue in Knoxville on August 19 around 1 p.m. Savannah Padgett and Sophia Featherstone, both UT college students, lived at the same residence and were also on the search warrants as suspects. Did you encounter any technical issues? U.S. Attorney's Office, Middle District of Tennessee, Kilos of Heroin, Fentanyl & Cocaine Distributed in the Nashville Area, Lengthy Prison Sentences For Three Nashville Drug Dealers, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), Last Of Gangster Disciples Sentenced In Racketeering & Drug Trafficking Conspiracy, Nashville Trio Facing Federal Human Trafficking & Drug Distribution Charges, Mid-State Man Pleads Guilty to Federal Drug Distribution And Firearms Charges. 719 Church St., Suite 3300 Jenkins was initially arrested by law enforcement in June 2020, after a months-long investigation which resulted in the search of an apartment in the Overhill Apartment Complex in Nashville in February 2020, where the defendants were seen entering and exiting numerous times. The investigation began in March 2020 and focused on drug trafficking in the Knoxville area in eastern Tennessee. Cruz and Dominguez have a preliminary March 19. The TBI/TDDTF is an integral member of this task force by operating as the Program Director. D. Michael Dunavant, U.S. Attorney announced the unsealing of the federal criminal complaint today. The Jefferson City Police Department Aggressive Criminal Enforcement unit has ended a lengthy undercover operation that resulted in 31 Jefferson County grand jury indictments for the sale and. The drugs were found packed inside 25 duffel bags and ready for distribution, according to authorities. Wayne County Sheriff Shane Fisher said a routine drug. Your email address will not be published. 7:33 PM EDT, Wed October 14, 2020. according to a US Customs and Border Protection statement. In addition, TBI Agents participate in a variety of collaborative efforts to address the drug issues in Tennessee. Three arrested, about $400,000 in cocaine seized in Nashville drug bust. These districts include Fentress County in the 8th Judicial District, Jackson County in the 15th Judicial District, and Overton, Pickett, Putnam, and Cumberland counties in the 13th Judicial District. December 22, 2020 NASHVILLE - Eric Jenkins, 40, of Nashville, Tennessee, the final defendant in a large drug distribution conspiracy was sentenced Tuesday to 210 months in federal prison, announced U.S. Attorney Henry C. Leventis for the Middle District of Tennessee. Seals has since been released from the hospital and and now faces numerous charges in Hamilton County including two charges of attempted murder, according to WRCB-TV. Troy remained the county seat until 1890, when it was moved to Union City following a contentious legal dispute. Second-Largest Border Meth Bust in History Announced Drug Bust Sep 16, 2020 CBP Finds $3.9 Million Worth of Meth, Cocaine in Boulders at Tecate Crossing Also seized were 893 pounds (405. RELATED: THP dashcam video shows chase, shootout on Highway 27, RELATED: Corryton man shot after chase ends in shoot-out with THP troopers. Updated: Aug 11, 2021 / 10:08 PM CDT. Besides the meth, the DEA found more than 880 pounds of cocaine. In Tennessee, its illegal to possess a controlled substance without having a medical prescription for the substance. While we continue to make progress reducing prescription drug issues, illicit opioid drug use continues to spawn the proliferation of heroin/fentanyl. At least two dozen people allegedly participated in a major Glynn County-based drug-trafficking operation for a lengthy amount of time, law enforcement officials said Wednesday. The defendants are identified as Jose Cruz Landeroz-Tovar, Mariono Gonzales, Luis Albert Cruz, Aldolfo Dominguez, Luis Fernando Pena-Fierro and Maria Magana. Mike Christen. Marshals Service while in TDOC custody at the West Tennessee State Penitentiary, and transferred to federal pre-trial custody. A .gov website belongs to an official government organization in the United States. CONTACT:Tabatha Curtis,Statewide Coordinator. Consultation with an experienced drug crime lawyer will get you the best possible outcome for your case. Agents had been tracking Magana for weeks through wire intercepts and other means, according to records. It just wouldnt happen. Tennessee Dangerous Drugs Task Force Tennessee Drug Map This interactive map allows you to search for an address and display drug activities on the map, including meth lab seizures, meth lab quarantine sites, and other incidents. Drug Seizure Statistics FY2023 As of 15 December 2021 the Drug Seizures dashboard now includes seizures of all drug types. TADEC is passionately committed to protecting the drug-endangered children of Tennessee by generating a renewed collaboration of resources from multidiscipline organizations and jurisdictions in the responsibility of protecting these children. February 8, 2023 The case will be presented to a federal grand jury at a later date to consider an indictment against the defendants. JACKSON, Ga. - A big drug investigation that law enforcement dubbed Crystal Web in 12 Georgia . A second indictment charges seven individuals with conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute and to distribute controlled substances, including heroin, methamphetamine, cocaine, crack . Oct 12, 2020 An investigation involving an alleged drug overdose at the Super 8 motel on East Andrew Johnson Highway Monday morning resulted in the arrest of four women, including three on heroin Class D Felony: 2 to 12 years. Thats a significant amount of meth, Timothy Shea, the DEAs acting administrator, said at a press conference on Wednesday. Narcan On June 18, 2020, when Jenkins showed up to conduct the transaction, he was arrested by undercover officers. The Daily Caller | 1775 Eye Street NW | Suite 1150-290 | Washington, DC 20006, (RELATED: I Want To Shove The Drugs Right Up The Noses Of The Gringos: Honduran President Accused By US Prosecutors Of Trafficking Drugs). Frontiersman Davy Crockett was in attendance when the town was platted. Jenkins was also charged with attempted possession with intent to distribute 5 kilograms or more of cocaine following a conviction for a serious drug felony. The DEAs focus is to interrupt the drug transportation chain in the cities that account for 75% distribution of all meth distributed in the country, Shea said. The Tennessee Bureau of Investigation has announced a major drug bust in Middle Tennessee. Authorities find 3,100 pounds of meth and other drugs hidden in truckload of medical supplies, These two seizures are more than enough to provide a dose of meth, for every man, woman, and child in the United States and Mexico. The Tennessee Bureau of Investigation has announced a major drug bust in Middle Tennessee. Criminal Justice Information Services (CJIS) Support Center, TBI State Academy Leadership Development Experience, The Tennessee Alliance for Drug-Endangered Children, Appalachia High Intensity Drug Trafficking Areas (AHIDTA), Appalachia High-Intensity Drug Trafficking Area, Gulf Coast High Intensity Drug Trafficking (GCHIDTA), Governor's Task Force on Marijuana Eradication, Tennessee Department Of Treasury Tort Liability Claims, CALEA Accreditation Public Comment Portal. He's being held in Hamilton County. Task force director Johnie Carter said the numbers were "absolutely terrifying.". Magana is a central figure in the alleged operation, records indicate. Individuals seeking prescription drugs like Hydrocodone have found that heroin is cheaper and more accessible on the street. First and second convictions for drug possession are a class A misdemeanor and the penalties include a jail term of up to one year, a fine of up to $2,500, or both. Task Force Director Johnie Carter said he was ecstatic with the coordinated operation. Between the fiscal years 2017-2019, DEA domestic seizures of meth increased 127% from 49,507 pounds to 112,146 pounds, according to the DEA. They were watching her some weeks later when they saw Seals -- the Knox County man -- pull up to an unidentified hotel in northern Georgia where Magana was staying. Phone: (931) 380-8837, 1616 Westgate Cir #363 DYERSBURG, Tenn. Nine individuals have been arrested on drug and weapons violations following a law enforcement saturation in Dyer and Lake Counties, according to a news release. Drug Enforcement Administration agents seized more than 2,200 pounds of methamphetamine earlier this month . One trooper was shot in the leg. But police found a pelican case they'd left behind that had about 500 grams of suspected methamphetamine, according to records. Acting DEA Administrator Timothy Shea announced the bust at a press conference Wednesday. This operation should be a message to the bad guys that if theyre thinking they can come out to the rural areas of West Tennessee to sell their drugs, commit violent crimes or hide out, it wont be tolerated, Carter said. A Warner Bros. Knoxville FBI Special Agent in Charge Rick Lambert said, "Drug trafficking enterprises are responsible for as much as 80% of the crime in many communities ranging from street corner narcotics. (RELATED: I Want To Shove The Drugs Right Up The Noses Of The Gringos: Honduran President Accused By US Prosecutors Of Trafficking Drugs). Demographic conditions of the Appalachia HIDTA, including relatively high unemployment and low median family income, create an environment where illegal activities and corruption can flourish. This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA); West Tennessee Drug Task Force; Jackson Police Department; Jackson-Madison County Metro Narcotics Unit; Madison County Sheriffs Department; Paris, Tennessee Police Department; Henry County Sheriffs Department; Murray, Kentucky Police Department; Kentucky State Police; Arkansas State Police; Tennessee Department of Correction Office of Investigations & Compliance (TDOC-OIC); and the U.S. Doug Overbey, U.S. attorney for the Eastern District of Tennessee, made the announcement Thursday. In the fight against contraband cell phones, we run into a brick wall time and time again, Parker said. The drugs were seized on October 2. According to Monroe County Sheriff Tommy Jones, a deputy spotted a driver not. "Operation Thundering Justice," led by special agents with the Drug Investigation Division of the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation, the Carroll County Sheriff's Office, the Huntingdon Police Department, the McKenzie Police Department, and the Henderson County Sheriff's Office, began in January 2020. A low level operative would not be trusted to hold $18 million of drugs in a house. But after a local and The increase of heroin abuse has created an epidemic rate increase of overdoses and deaths. During the search, law enforcement recovered more than five kilograms of heroin; more than 3 kilograms of a heroin and fentanyl mixture; approximately 1 kilogram of fentanyl, and more than 32 grams of cocaine base. Convictions for third and subsequent possessions are class E felonies, and they will land you one to six years in prison, a fine of up to $3,000, or both. Federal authorities have indicted 27 individuals in a massive, violent drug-trafficking scheme that operated out of a Tennessee state prison for years. Memphis Commercial Appeal 0:04 0:45 A traffic stop on Interstate 40 in Shelby County last week led to a large drug bust, the West Tennessee Judicial Violent Crime and Drug Task Force said. Less than a quarter of a milligram of fentanyl could kill the average person, and the amount seized here is enough for every person in Shelby County to overdose more than nine times over. There are currently six DID Special Agents dedicated to combating prescription drug diversion and are stationed throughout the state. "The drugs are getting more and more. During the press conference, Shea mentioned last weeks second-largest border seizure of meth in which federal agents confiscated more than 3,000 pounds of meth, heroin, fentanyl powder, and pills laced with fentanyl. Each charged defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt, and convicted through due process of law. They can have a lasting impact on your criminal record. Notifications can be turned off anytime in the browser settings. Those who are faced with the chargeinclude Columbia residents Brent Smiley" Burns, 38, and Tristen Jolly Tisby, 29, and Mt. 29 of these counties are in . It's still an "ongoing investigation," according to Overbey's release. WAYNE COUNTY, Tenn. (WKRN) At least 20 people are charged in connection to a Middle Tennessee methamphetamine distribution ring. of fentanyl, and 3.5 grams of heroin. . Attorneys Robert S. Levine and Nani Gilkerson are prosecuting these cases. Mosley and Jenkins were charged with committing these crimes following a conviction for a serious drug felony. 2023 Cable News Network. Individuals were also charged with Misdemeanor Child Abuse and Contributing to the Delinquency of a Juvenile. Drug possession charges can be difficult to get dismissed because, unlike most crimes, the state does not have to prove your mental state or intent. First and second convictions for drug possession are a class A misdemeanor and the penalties include a jail term of up to one year, a fine of up to $2,500, or both. The concern there is that they are very violent and theyre very aggressive and they are largely responsible for much of the meth in this country, said Shea. Your effort and contribution in providing this feedback is much Authorities, records indicate, first became aware of her after two people who'd just bought meth from her were in a crash Dec. 12, 2019, in East Tennessee. According to Washington County Sheriff Ed Graybeal, an ongoing collaboration between area law enforcement officials has resulted in the conviction in a methamphetamine conspiracy of nearly 57 defendants with the possible subsequent federal sentence of more than 300 . The primary objective and mission of the GTFME remains to provide public safety for the citizens of Tennesseethrough: Go to Tennessee Bureau of Investigation (TBI). Thats worth repeating. "An extensive search of the vehicle disclosed a natural void located within the vehicle that had been converted into a compartment to transport contraband," the task force said. Tennessee Bureau of Investigation Announces Major Drug Bust Involving Fentanyl and Fentanyl Laced Drugs, Union City Boys Knock Off 5th Ranked Gibson County; Girls Fall to Lady Pioneers, Kolitsch named acting provost and senior vice chancellor, Stewart County Dispatch Breaks Record During Storm, Suspected Tornado Touchdown Damages Homes, Band Students Represent Districts Best At All West, Weakley County Students Celebrate Reading In Unique Ways, Speakers remember Martin Luther King, Jr. during annual celebration. Officers found the people who'd been in the vehicle, and they said they'd just been to northern Georgia to buy methamphetamine through a woman named "Maria," according to records. In 2020, Allen said the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation saw 17 cases fatal and non-fatal involving nitazenes. The Middle Tennessee HIDTA Task Force is in the counties of Middle Tennessee as identified by the Appalachia HIDTA. All defendants previously pleaded guilty. Mardi Growl to close several roads in downtown Knoxville on Saturday, What you need to know about paying to park in the Great Smoky Mountains, Severe storms move through East Tennessee, THP dashcam video shows chase, shootout on Highway 27, Corryton man shot after chase ends in shoot-out with THP troopers. In one incident, the organization kidnapped a woman who lost drug proceeds and used a hatchet to chop off one of her hands, before leaving her lying on the street, the DOJ said. He added that treatment options for addicts and people struggling have been limited due to restrictions in place because of the coronavirus. Bomb threat draws in police, fire departments, Jackson man gets life in prison for 2019 murder, Selmer police respond to shots fired call, All Tennessee counties to receive funds from lawsuit, Woman demands answers after dog was euthanized, VIDEO/PHOTOS: Heavy winds leave damage across West Tennessee. Investigators used wiretaps along with other surveillance, confidential sources, traffic stops, search warrants, and gang intelligence to investigate this drug trafficking organization. They were discovered hidden in a truck delivering medical supplies from Mexico. The organization allegedly has ties to MS-13, Sur-13 and a host of other street gangs that distributed thousands of illegal narcotics, according to the DOJ. Reach Mike Christenat mchristen@c-dh.net. During the same time frame, the number of DEA arrests related to meth rose nearly 20%. Protecting children by combating the proliferation of technology-facilitated sexual exploitation crimes. He'd just bought drugs from a woman at the center of a federal investigation, officials say. Another phenomenon is the introduction of counterfeit pills. On May 4, 2021, Jacob Mosely was sentenced to 210 months in prison and Howard Dowell was sentenced to 135 months in prison. 51 in 1983. Brentwood, TN 37027 Special Agents assigned to the Drug Investigation Division cooperate with local, state, and especially federal law enforcement agencies, such as the Drug Enforcement Administration, Federal Bureau of Investigation, and Tennessees United States Attorneys offices. Dec 31, 2014 Updated Oct 19, 2022. The operation included more than 40 agents, deputies and officers from the West Tennessee Drug Task Force, Dyer and Lake County Sheriffs Departments, and police from Newbern, Tiptonville and Ridgely. So far, they have not filed charges. oxycodone, and marijuana, between October 2017 and November 2020. . The organization allegedly has ties to MS-13, Sur-13 and a host of other street gangs that distributed thousands of illegal narcotics, according to the DOJ. Last month, Attorney General William Barr and Shea announced that in six months of the operation, agents seized more than 28,000 pounds of meth, $43.3 million in drug proceeds and 284 firearms. The motto of the Tennessee Dangerous Drugs Task Force continues to be Protect, Enforce, and Educate., The Tennessee Alliance for Drug-Endangered Children(TADEC) is comprised offederal, local, and state agencies who share a goal to prevent drug-related harm to children and rescue, shelter, and support Tennessees children who suffer physical and psychological harm caused by the manufacture, distribution, sale, and abuse ofprescription drugs and alcohol.. The massive operation was led by 29-year-old Humberto Morales of Tennessee who has been incarcerated at the Tennessee State Prison since 2014. CA houses for rent. This is enough dope to provide a dose of meth for every man, woman and child in the United States and Mexico, Shea said. tennessee narcotic drug bust in which has been filed a felony counts of!. Tennessee Drug Offender Registry Disclaimer The information contained in the Tennessee Drug Offender Registry is provided to the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation by the appropriate clerk in each county. Seeking out the eradicating/destroying marijuana which is domestically grown; Prevention and deterrence of marijuana growth in Tennessee by effecting arrests, seizure and forfeiture of, Efficient and effective collection, sharing, reporting, and utilization of intelligence information utilizing the. Painkillers:Pulaski caregiver charged with stealing painkillers from an elderly patient. Acting DEA Administrator Timothy Shea announced the bust at a press conference Wednesday. The Gulf Coast HIDTA funds four law enforcement initiatives in Shelby County; the Shelby County HIDTA Drug Task Force led by the Drug Enforcement Administration, Shelby County MultiAgency Gang Unit led by the Memphis Police Department, Memphis Case Advocacy Program led by the United States Attorney's Office, and Border Enforcement Security Task Force led by United States Homeland Security Investigations. Morales also instructed hitman Magdiel Pina Ramirez of Mexico to cut off part of his pinky finger to prove his loyalty, the DOJ said. 30 pounds of THC-laced Skittles, sour chews seized in Tennessee drug bust, police say By Tanasia Kenney. Hardin County Government - Hardin County, Tennessee - Official . KNOXVILLE, Tenn. Six people from Mexico are in federal custody in East Tennessee after a bust led to the discovery of more than 900 kilograms of methamphetamine with an estimated value of more than $13 million, authorities say. amy . Officials have detained suspects and will continue to make arrests as the investigation continues. The increase of heroin abuse has created an epidemic rate increase of overdoses and deaths. According to court documents, the DEA and local law enforcement partners launched an investigation into the drug-trafficking organization in June 2019. We are taking the fight to the gangs in order to dismantle their drug trafficking organizations and remove them from our streets. The night of Jan. 9, Tennessee Highway Patrol troopers tried to pull Seals over in Hamilton County on Highway 27. TBI reports said a multi-agency investigation into drug overdoses in Middle Tennessee, resulted in the arrest of two individuals from California with ties to the Sinola Cartel. The following individuals have been arrested and charged with conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine, heroin, fentanyl, cocaine and marijuana into and throughout West Tennessee. "Seals emerged from his vehicle with an assault rifle and fired a very large number of shots at the troopers," according to an affidavit from Ted Francisco, a task force officer with Homeland Security Investigations. Required fields are marked *. The finalof three federal indictments returned last month were unsealed last week and all but one charged defendant have been taken into custody, according to a statement from the U.S. Department of Justice. He went into the building, and when he came back out he was carrying a Doritos bag, according to records. According to the release, the saturation came on the heels of Dyer County Sheriff Jeff Box and Lake County Sheriff Brian Avery recognizing the drug and violent crime issues within their jurisdictions and requesting assistance from Sterlin Wright, Special Agent in Charge of the West Tennessee Violent Crime and Drug Task Force. He was a Naval veteran, having served on the USS Chatelain, part of the 10th Atlantic Fleet, during WWII. All rights reserved. appreciated. WASHINGTON COUNTY -- More than $400,000 worth of illegal drugs and $250,000 cash were seized in a major drug bust in Washington County, part of a 20-month investigation into an alleged. . The TBIs Drug Investigation Division (DID) investigates and assists in the prosecution of crimes involving controlled substances, narcotics, and other illegal drugs. The massive operation was led by 29-year-old Humberto Morales of Tennessee who has been incarcerated at the Tennessee State Prison since 2014. 29 of these counties are in Tennessee. From mid-February until this week, "law enforcement intercepted numerous conversations over wiretaps in which (Magana) coordinated the distribution of kilogram quantities of methamphetamine and other drugs," the Francisco affidavit states. CNN Sans & 2016 Cable News Network. In order to complete its mission, the division has original jurisdiction in opening cases involving illegal drugs and at any time could have more than 600 active cases.