Joint law enforcement efforts thwart prison smuggling attempt
SEE ALSO: WTDTF director comments on Bells bust, one suspect at large
CROCKETT COUNTY, Tenn. — On the night of March 27th, agents from the West Tennessee Drug Task Force conducted a stop, foiling a suspect’s plans to smuggle contraband into the Northwest Correctional Facility.
Courtesy: West Tennessee Drug Task Force
Yesterday, agents with the 28th District out of Crockett County were requested to assist the Bells Police Department.
A Bells police officer was said to have conducted a stop on a vehicle heading west bound on Hwy. 412 because of a traffic infraction.
Once the vehicle was stopped, agents reported that one of the two male passengers fled from the vehicle with a backpack on.
The other suspect, the driver, was promptly detained by the officer.
WTDTF Agents then assisted Bells P.D. in trying to locate the fleeing passenger, while other agents stayed to search the vehicle.
After searching the vehicle, law enforcement seized 48 “Dirty 30” fentanyl pills, 3-1/2 lbs. of tobacco, multiple cell phones with chargers, a Sony PSP, paraphernalia, memory cards, mesh bags and a drone with controller and spare batteries.
Courtesy: West Tennessee Drug Task Force
During the search for the fleeing suspect, agents recovered the backpack that was said to contain a pound of marijuana.
Courtesy: West Tennessee Drug Task Force
After further investigation, agents discovered that the two suspects were on their way to Northwest Correctional Facility in Lake County.
The suspects planned to use the drone to drop contraband onto the prison grounds.
The drone that was seized was said to have an actuator device that would hold then release the mesh bags that held contraband.
Courtesy: West Tennessee Drug Task Force
Currently, the WTDTF reports that one male suspect has been arrested on charges of possession of schedule II and VI with intent and drug paraphernalia.
The task force expects more charges are to be issued.
The The Office of the District Attorney General, 28th Judicial District, Frederick Agee is prosecuting this case.
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