A multi-state drug investigation culminating in the capture of 14 individuals on federal drug and firearms charges was announced yesterday by local law enforcement. The operation, led by the 10th Judicial District Drug Task Force, spanned from East Tennessee to Georgia and across the border into Mexico.
Various agencies joined forces in an intensive effort beginning in early 2024, leading to significant seizures, according to the office of Sheriff Tommy Jones. The task force uncovered approximately 22 pounds of Methamphetamine, close to 14,000 Fentanyl pills, and over 136 grams of Fentanyl powder. The seizure resulted in the confiscation of 56 firearms, four vehicles, and $60,453 in US currency,
Involved in the operation were the Drug Enforcement Agency, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms, the US Marshal Service, Tennessee Bureau of Investigations, and several local law enforcement entities. The Sheriff's office identified the following individuals as being indicted in the Eastern District of Tennessee on various drug-related and firearms charges: Trevor Hawkins, Gerard Birk, Marc Blair, Saralyn Miller, Jason Lemke, Corey Peters, Trevor Heater, Tinzelle Buchanan, Jimmy Pike, Ashley Roderick, Stephen Wattenbarger, and Daniel Buis.
In a social media post from Sheriff Tommy Jones, the Sheriff stated, "Congratulations to all involved for a job well done!!" The post acknowledged the efforts of the Athens Police Department, McMinn County Sheriff's Department, Monroe County Sheriff's Department, Sweetwater Police Department, Cleveland Police Department, and Bradley County Sheriff's Department for their contributions to the multi-agency operation.
