9th Judicial Drug Task Force TN

01/14/2026

Two deaths. One week. One community, One mile apart.

That is how 2026 has begun in the 9th Judicial District, with two probable drug related deaths already. Two lives lost and two families forever changed.

Despite ongoing fentanyl seizures, coordinated efforts from local, state, and federal law enforcement, and continued work to get people into treatment and dealers off the streets, the reality is still clear. This crisis is happening here, and it is affecting all of us.

Drug dealers are not selling a product. They are tearing families apart, leaving parents buried, children confused, and grandparents stepping in to raise grandchildren when they should be enjoying retirement. They take loved ones through overdose or trap them in addiction, turning vibrant people into a fraction of who they once were.

This crisis is not abstract. It is in our neighborhoods, our schools, and our families.

We will continue targeting those who traffic these deadly drugs while working alongside our partners to support treatment and recovery. But enforcement alone is not enough. It takes awareness, prevention, accountability, and a community willing to stay engaged.

If you or someone you love is struggling, please reach out for help. If you see som**hing that does not look right, report it. And if you think this does not affect you, this week is a reminder that it already does.

Two deaths in one week is not normal, and it should never be accepted as normal.

We will keep working until this changes

01/09/2026

Massive Drug Seizure Highlights Danger to Our Communities

Agents from the 9th Judicial Drug Task Force, along with federal, state, and local partners, recently made a significant seizure of 5.2 POUNDS of fentanyl and 481 pounds of THC as part of an ongoing investigation.

The fentanyl alone has a wholesale value of approximately $100,000, but when broken down into 2 mg doses, it amounts to 1,179,000 individual doses. At street value, this seizure represents over $10 million worth of dangerous narcotics removed from our communities.

This operation demonstrates the critical work being done to disrupt trafficking networks and prevent these deadly substances from reaching the streets. We commend all agencies involved for their coordination, intelligence, and dedication to keeping our communities safe.

The 9th Judicial Drug Task Force is made up of dedicated members from the Loudon Police Department, Lenoir City Police Department, the National Guard Counterdrug Unit, the 9th District Attorney General’s Office, and federal partners.

If anyone has information regarding illegal drug activity, tips can be submitted confidentially to [email protected]

12/15/2025

Significant Drug Bust in the 9th Judicial District!!!

On Friday, December 12th, agents with the 9th Judicial Drug Task Force successfully wrapped up a months-long investigation targeting m**hamphetamine and fentanyl distribution in Roane County and along the invisible line that separates Loudon and Roane Counties.

The operation involved the ex*****on of three search warrants, resulting in the seizure of:

-Over 350 grams of fentanyl (street value: $30,000+) – enough for 3,500 doses of this extremely dangerous drug.
-A firearm and ammunition
-Ma*****na

These seizures are critical, especially as the holiday season approaches, a time when overdoses—both fatal and non-fatal—statistically increase. Our agents are committed to intercepting as much of this lethal product as possible and arresting those responsible to protect our communities.

This investigation was made possible with the assistance of:

Roane County Sheriff’s Office
Harriman Police Department
Kingston Police Department
Rockwood Police Department
National Guard Counter Drug Unit
Federal partners
9th District Attorney General’s Office

The 9th JDTF is made up of dedicated agents and officers from:

Lenoir City Police Department
Loudon Police Department
National Guard Counter Drug Unit
Federal partners
9th District Attorney General’s Office

This operation highlights the ongoing commitment of law enforcement to keep our communities safe from dangerous drugs.

12/15/2025

The 9th Judicial Drug Task Force recently successfully apprehended a wanted individual in Lenoir City following an extensive investigation into illegal drug activity.

During the operation, officers recovered:

-34 grams of m**hamphetamine

-1 gram of fentanyl

-344.5 grams of GHB (commonly referred to as the “date r**e drug”)

-1 firearm

The seizure of nearly 350 grams of GHB (Gamma Hydroxybutyrate), which we typically do not see, is particularly significant. Even small amounts of this substance can be extremely dangerous, and in this quantity, it represents a serious threat to public safety. These substances are not only illegal—they are deadly, highly potent, and often used to target vulnerable individuals.

The seizure of 34 grams of m**hamphetamine is potentially 340 dosage units at .10 grams per use.

Operations like this highlight the challenges law enforcement faces in measuring success. While we cannot know exactly how many lives may have been affected if these drugs had reached the streets, each seizure prevents potential overdoses, assaults, and distribution. Every confiscation is a critical step in keeping the community safe.

This case underscores the importance of persistence, coordination, and proactive policing. Great work by all involved in removing these dangerous substances before they could harm anyone.

The 9th JDTF is comprised of agents and officers from the Lenoir City Police Department, Loudon Police Department, National Guard Counterdrug Unit, Federal Partners, and the 9th District Attorney General's Office.

Members of the community with information about drug activity are encouraged to send tips to [email protected]

11/25/2025

A Holiday Message from the 9th Judicial Drug Task Force

Most of the time, you see us out enforcing Tennessee’s drug laws - serving warrants, making arrests, and working to keep dangerous drugs off the streets. But as we head into the holiday season, we also want to take a moment to talk about som**hing we see far too often this time of year: a rise in overdoses.

Every holiday season, overdoses tend to increase. The reasons are different for everyone — stress, loneliness, financial strain, or struggles with addiction can all hit harder this time of year. And with the drug supply more unpredictable than ever, even one bad decision can have tragic results.

We share this not to scare anyone, but to remind our community to stay alert and look out for one another.

- Check in on friends or family who might be struggling.

- Encourage those battling addiction to seek help — recovery and treatment are available.

- If you suspect someone is in danger, call 911 immediately.

The 9th Judicial Drug Task Force will continue doing what we do best — enforcing the law and targeting the dealers who bring this poison into our communities. But we also recognize that behind every overdose is a person, a family, and a community that hurts.

This holiday season, let’s stay safe, stay aware, and take care of each other.

— The 9th Judicial Drug Task Force

10/25/2025

National Drug Take Back Day!!!

Let’s be honest — everyone can find a reason to go to Wal-Mart. So while you’re there today, take one more item off your to-do list: drop off those unwanted or unused prescription meds.

From 10 AM to 2 PM, you’ll find the Loudon County Prevention Alliance and Lenoir City Police Department at Lenoir City Wal-Mart, and the staff from the Loudon County Sheriff’s Office are setup at the Justice Center on Hwy 11 at Sugarlimb.

By cleaning out your medicine cabinet, you’re not just freeing up shelf space — you’re keeping powerful drugs out of the wrong hands and out of our communities.

Because let’s face it, prescription pills lying around have a way of “disappearing.” And when they do, it’s never for a good reason.

Do the right thing. Drop them off. Keep Loudon County safe.

10/24/2025

THE WORK NEVER STOPS

Just because you haven’t seen a post in a few weeks doesn’t mean the 9th Judicial Drug Task Force has slowed down , quite the opposite.

Our agents have been hard at work conducting multiple operations that are part of a much larger, ongoing investigation. Many of these efforts are done quietly and discreetly to protect the integrity of our cases and to continue climbing the ladder toward the suppliers bringing dangerous drugs into our communities.

Make no mistake — our men and women are working every day to instill fear in drug traffickers, disrupt their networks, and take their poison off our streets.

We’ll share more when the time is right. Until then, know that we’re out there, working, watching, and closing in.

— 9th Judicial Drug Task Force

09/26/2025

Roane County Search Warrant – 9th Judicial Drug Task Force

Earlier today, the 9th Judicial Drug Task Force, with the assistance of the Blount County Sheriff’s Office SWAT Team and the Roane County Sheriff’s Office Narcotics Detectives and Patrol Division, executed a search warrant at a residence in Roane County.

A sign posted at the front door of the home read: “Come back with a warrant.”

So we did.

Inside, agents uncovered a significant amount of fentanyl, pressed fentanyl pills, m**hamphetamine, and multiple prescription narcotics—dangerous drugs that fuel addiction, overdoses, and crime in our communities.

Three individuals were taken into custody and transported to the Roane County Jail.

The 9th Judicial Drug Task Force is made up of dedicated agents and officers from the Loudon Police Department, Lenoir City Police Department, 9th District Attorney General’s Office, the National Guard Counterdrug Unit, and our state and federal partners. Together, we remain committed to protecting the 9th Judicial District from the deadly impact of illegal drugs.

All suspects are innocent until proven guilty in a court of law!

If you suspect drug activity in your community, contact your local law enforcement or the 9th Judicial Drug Task Force. Your tips make a difference.

09/12/2025

Drug Roundup in Loudon County

Yesterday, agents with the 9th Judicial District Drug Task Force carried out a large-scale roundup following months of investigations. As a result, more than 20 Loudon County residents have been charged with felony drug offenses.

These investigations have primarily targeted the distribution of the two most dangerous threats in our community: m**hamphetamine and fentanyl. So far this year, Loudon County has recorded 11 fatal overdoses. In 2024, that number was 16 for the entire year. Whether this year ultimately ends higher or lower, the deadly nature of these drugs remains unchanged — and so does the commitment of the Drug Task Force to combat their distribution.

** Stop and Think: One moment that stood out during this operation was the arrest of a suspect at his workplace — a new father to a one-week-old baby. His choices could now change the memories he would have as a new father. We ask: why take that chance? Is it worth it?

During yesterday’s operation, agents — with the assistance of the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation, Lenoir City Police Department, Loudon Police Department, Loudon County Sheriff’s Office, Tennessee Highway Patrol, and the National Guard Counterdrug Unit — made 15 arrests and recovered quantities of m**hamphetamine. Additional defendants remain at large, and agents will continue working to bring them into custody. We strongly encourage those individuals to turn themselves in at the Loudon County Jail or to any law enforcement officer.

The 9th Judicial District Drug Task Force is made up of dedicated law enforcement officers from the Lenoir City Police Department, Loudon Police Department, the 9th District Attorney General’s Office, the National Guard Counterdrug Unit, and our state and federal partners. Together, we remain committed to protecting our communities, saving lives, and holding drug dealers accountable.

Also, a special thanks to our Loudon County 911 Center for all the assistance from our dispatchers.

— 9th Judicial District Drug Task Force

09/11/2025

Operation in Loudon, TN – Drug Indictments & Arrests

As many of you may already know, the 9th Judicial District Drug Task Force has been out since early this morning executing arrests on individuals recently indicted for drug distribution and felony possession in Loudon County.

In today’s world, word spreads fast. Once these operations are shared on social media, it doesn’t take long before the “who’s who” of Loudon County knows exactly what’s happening.

To those who have not yet been picked up: understand this — running is not worth the stress and anxiety it brings. We are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. You can call us to arrange turning yourself in, or you can report directly to the Loudon County Jail. It’s not a matter of if we find you, but when.

This is also your opportunity to make a decision that could change your life. Enough is enough. Drugs have already destroyed too many families and too many futures in our community. Don’t let them continue to destroy yours.

The 9th Judicial District Drug Task Force is made up of dedicated law enforcement officers from the Lenoir City Police Department, Loudon Police Department, the 9th District Attorney General’s Office, National Guard Counter Drug Unit, and our state and federal partners. Together, we are committed to protecting our communities and holding drug dealers accountable.

More details coming soon!

— 9th Judicial District Drug Task Force

09/11/2025

Always a pleasure to work with Knox County!!

DA Charme Allen announces that prosecutors in the Career Gang Unit obtained convictions against a repeat drug dealer who sold m**h to an informant while on bond for a separate m**h case. William Curtis Crew, 43, was convicted of Possession with Intent to Sell Methamphetamine and Sale of Methamphetamine. Judge Emily Abbott accepted the plea and approved a sentence of twenty years to serve in prison.

In a plea hearing, Assistant District Attorney Marissa Pecora explained to the Court that on February 6, 2024, Officer Harper Lang with the Knox County Sheriff's Office was on patrol near the Country Inn and Suites on Cross Park Drive when he encountered Crew in a parked vehicle. As he approached the vehicle, Ofc. Lang smelled ma*****na. Crew stated that he was on Federal Supervised Release for a narcotics offense and that someone had smoked ma*****na in the car. A search of the vehicle revealed a burnt ma*****na cigarette, twelve grams of m**hamphetamine, and baggies used for selling m**h. Crew ultimately admitted to selling m**h. Crew posted a $15,000 bond, and while out on bond awaiting trial, officers with the Knox County Sheriff’s Office Narcotics Unit and the 9th Judicial Drug Task Force TN conducted a controlled purchase of 6.5 grams of m**hamphetamine from Crew.

“Methamphetamine has been the second most prevalent drug in overdose death cases since 2018,” said DA Allen.

In addition to his federal m**h conviction, Crew has two prior felony convictions for Attempted Aggravated Arson and Burning of Personal Property and two federal convictions for Escape. Crew has previously been identified as a member of the A***n Nation. Assistant Victim Witness Coordinator Sheri Burkett and Legal Secretary Cathleen Wilson aided in the prosecution of this case.

09/09/2025

50+ Pounds of Drugs Seized — Sold Through Social Media

Drug dealers are targeting our kids where they spend the most time — online. In just a few clicks, a teenager can see illegal drugs for sale, message a stranger, and set up a meeting. This danger is very real, and it’s happening here in our communities.

With assistance from the Knox County Sheriff’s Office Aviation and Narcotics Units and the Oak Ridge Police Department, the 9th Judicial Drug Task Force seized over 50 pounds of illegal drugs, a stolen firearm, and packaging materials during an investigation into social media drug sales.

Parents — we know it’s not easy to keep up with everything your kids are doing online. You’re not alone. We’re in this fight with you. Take time to check in, ask questions, and have honest conversations with your children. Your awareness and involvement can make all the difference in keeping them safe.

And remember, teachers and School Resource Officers are here to help as well. If you have concerns or need guidance, they can be an important connection between you, your child, and the resources available to keep them safe.

Together, we can protect our kids and stop these dangerous networks from taking root in our communities.

📩 Tips can be sent confidentially to [email protected].