I-40 traffic stop leads to multi-state drug and weapons seizure

HAYWOOD COUNTY, Tenn. — What began as a traffic stop on Interstate 40 in Haywood County escalated into a multi-state drug investigation stretching to Ohio, according to the West Tennessee Drug Task Force.

On Feb. 18, agents initiated a traffic stop due to improper registration. K9 Athena alerted to the presence of narcotics, leading agents to search the vehicle.

Inside the vehicle, agents found nearly six pounds of cocaine and two firearms hidden inside magnetic cases under the hood.

Investigators determined the drugs were headed to Mansfield, Ohio, where a buyer was waiting in a big box store parking lot. Working with the DEA, agents followed the case across state lines and made an arrest there.

A follow-up search in Ohio turned up 21 additional weapons, 10 pounds of marijuana and large amounts of THC products.

State charges will be prosecuted by the Office of the District Attorney General for the 28th Judicial District, Frederick Agee. All federal prosecutions will be handled by the U.S. Attorney’s Office.

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