A 43-year-old Memphis man was arrested Saturday after what started as a routine traffic stop turned into a search of a Lamar Avenue motel room that turned up drugs and guns, authorities said. Agents served a search warrant at the Deluxe Inn and Suites and reported seizing suspected methamphetamine, fentanyl, and two loaded handguns from the room.
Investigators identified the suspect as 43-year-old Stephen Shelby and seized roughly 0.25 ounces of fentanyl and 0.5 ounces of methamphetamine between the traffic stop and the motel search, according to FOX13 Memphis. Agents also reported finding a set of digital scales and other drug paraphernalia in the room, the outlet said.
The operation was led by the West Tennessee Violent Crime and Drug Task Force. The unit has been behind several major interdictions in recent months, including a May seizure of more than 17 pounds of fentanyl, according to WMC Action News 5, and a January update listing record-breaking drug seizures reported by WBBJ. Task force statements say agents often work alongside state and federal teams on traffic interdictions and motel search warrants.
Motel Room Search Turns Up Loaded Guns And Scales
Inside Shelby's motel room, agents reported finding a loaded semi-automatic handgun and a loaded derringer-style pistol, along with digital scales and packaging materials, according to FOX13 Memphis. Prosecutors are seeking two counts of possession of Schedule II drugs for sale, two counts of possession of a weapon by a convicted felon and two counts of possession of a weapon during the commission of a dangerous felony, the task force said.
Rap Sheet And Possible Prison Time
The task force says Shelby has prior convictions that include facilitation of first-degree murder, especially aggravated robbery, aggravated assault, possession of a weapon by a convicted felon, and aggravated burglary. Under Tennessee law, according to the Tennessee Courts, people convicted of certain violent or drug felonies are barred from possessing firearms and can face felony penalties if charged and convicted, with penalties increasing based on the nature of the prior offenses.
The West Tennessee Violent Crime and Drug Task Force said the Tennessee Highway Patrol and the Memphis office of the DEA assisted with the investigation and that the case remains active. Shelby was taken into custody and is expected to be booked in Shelby County, and prosecutors will formally file charges as the case moves forward.
