Many people may think of drugs as a problem that only affects large cities, but authorities in West Tennessee have put paid to that perception with a sweeping, year-long, multi-agency operation across several counties to disrupt what they report to be a large, rural-based drug trafficking organization. As of last week, the operation has resulted in 19 indictments as well as 14 additional arrests.
In addition to arrests and indictments, the operation has reportedly resulted in the confiscation of large quantities of drugs, including 60 pounds of marijuana and 15 pounds of crack cocaine and methamphetamine. Two weeks ago, the court indicted 15 people on charges of conspiracy to distribute meth, cocaine and marijuana. The other four indictments took place last month on charges of being a felon in possession of a firearm and conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine.
Authorities hope the operation, as well as the resulting arrests and indictments, send a twofold message to people in rural communities. First, that law enforcement recognizes that drugs are not only a concern in urban areas, and second, that traffickers and distributors of drugs can no longer hide in rural communities.
County and local law enforcement agencies joined forces with state and federal agencies up to and including the Department of Justice. This cooperation bolstered the limited resources available at the county level and reportedly allowed them to move beyond budget constraints.
With law enforcement in rural Tennessee cracking down on trafficking and distribution, it is more important than ever for those facing drug charges to act in the interest of their own defense. To that end, it might be helpful to discuss the case with an attorney.