Joint undercover investigation closes South Memphis drug trafficking operation
MEMPHIS, Tenn. (WMC) - Local law enforcement agencies have uncovered a drug trafficking operation at two South Memphis homes thanks to a joint undercover investigation.
The West Tennessee Violent Crime and Drug Task Force, in conjunction with the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), has been investigating allegations of fentanyl and cocaine distribution from an apartment on Ila Court and a house on Barton Street for several months.
Undercover agents began buying the drugs from these addresses in February.
The investigation came to a conclusion Thursday with the simultaneous search warrants at the residences. Several drugs were seized, and three were arrested.
“This is further evidence of the value of our VCIF grant initiative targeting the highest crime Memphis zip codes,” said District Attorney Mulroy. “We’re steering addicts toward treatment, but going hard against the big-time distributors. It’s a credit to the skill and dedication of the DTF team.”
In total, agents seized:
- Approximately 3 ounces of fentanyl
- 1,250 pressed counterfeit cocaine and methamphetamine pills made to look like alprazolam (Xanax) bars
- 2 ounces of cocaine
- 1.5 ounces of methamphetamine
- 6 weapons (4 handguns and 2 AR style rifles), a kilo press with dyes (Used to press powder into brick kilos)
- 2 pounds of marijuana
- Empty drug kilo wrappers
- Ammunition, $6,635.00 in cash
- And a Audi A6 car
Three convicted felons from Memphis were arrested in connection with the organization and charged with numerous drug and weapon felonies. At least two of the men were on felony probation.
They have not been identified.
Drug Task Force Director Johnie Carter said, “I commend all of the Agents involved in this investigation who are truly among Shelby County’s finest. We are targeting the violent felons and repeat offenders that are selling this poison and driving the violent crime rate up here in Memphis and all over west Tennessee.”
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