Multi-agency drug operation leads to 61 arrests in West Tennessee

JACKSON, Tenn. — A two-year multi-agency operation resulted in 61 arrests across West Tennessee as law enforcement agencies worked to dismantle a drug network operating in the region.

Law enforcement agencies held a press conference at the 26th Judicial District Attorney General’s office in downtown Jackson to provide an update on Operation Tristar Hammer.

“In January of 2024, law enforcement began to identify a drug network throughout the 26th judicial district,” said Jody Pickens, district attorney for the 26th Judicial District. “The involved agencies conducted multiple controlled purchases, served numerous search warrants, conducted surveillance and research during this two year long operation.”

Indictments and arrests

The operation began with 141 indictments on 75 people from three different grand juries on March 30. The indictments led to 61 arrests carried out across the region.

An additional 53 warrants have been served by the sheriff’s offices of Chester, Decatur, Henderson, Madison and McNairy counties, the drug task forces of the 25th and 26th judicial districts and several area police departments.

The Tennessee Highway Patrol and agents with the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation assisted at the state level. Federal agencies involved were the Department of Homeland Security and the Drug Enforcement Agency.

“This has been a perfect example of what happens when local, state and federal authorities come together with a single purpose and a single mission,” said David Rausch, director of the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation.

Three others encountered during the operation were found to have active warrants, and four federal indictments were also served.

Operation Tristar Hammer will continue with more arrests over the coming days, weeks and months.

For more news in the Jackson area, click here.