According to the Metro Nashville Police Department (MNPD), four of the city’s residents have been arrested following a methamphetamine and fentanyl bust conducted by local, state, and federal authorities.
“A joint investigation by MNPD narcotics detectives, DEA agents and the TBI’s High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area Task Force led to Monday’s seizure of 12 pounds of pressed fentanyl pills (approximately 120,000) and 27 pounds of meth arriving in Nashville from California,” MNPD said in press release.
Derrick Johnson, 40, is accused of flying to California and driving the drugs back to Nashville in a rented SUV. The suspect allegedly led police on a high-speed chase after briefly stopping when they attempted to pull him over and tossed two duffel bags containing the drugs out the window of the vehicle, which was being monitored by an MNPD chopper. Eventually, He bailed from the car on foot and was taken into custody.
He has been charged with conspiracy to distribute meth and fentanyl, felony evading arrest, and tampering with evidence.
Antonio Johnson, 44, who is Derrick Johnson’s brother, was in the car but followed police commands after the brief traffic stop and exited the vehicle. He is charged with conspiracy to distribute meth and fentanyl.
During the chase, MNPD said Derrick Johnson briefly stopped to let out another passenger, identified as Ruth Bailey, 39, who has now been charged with conspiracy to distribute meth and fentanyl, felony evading, and tampering with evidence.
Police also say a fourth person, Latonya Kinnard, 37, was observed outside Derrick Johnson’s residence “carrying a large duffle bag and placing it next to trash cans.” That duffel bag allegedly contained drugs. She has been charged with conspiracy to distribute meth and fentanyl and tampering with evidence.
The suspects’ respective bonds range from $175,000 to $85,000.
MNPD posted photos of the drug haul on its X account.
A joint MNPD/TBI/DEA investigation leads to the seizure of 12 lbs of pressed fentanyl pills (approx 120,000) & 27 lbs of meth being driven here from Los Angeles. Four persons, all Nashvillians, arrested. Getting these substances off the streets save lives! pic.twitter.com/HzZ6VcT8PO
— Metro Nashville PD (@MNPDNashville) January 30, 2024
The Tennessee Bureau of Investigation (TBI) told The Tennessee Star that it consistently works with local and federal law enforcement to investigate drug crimes.
“Absolutely, there are joint operations between local, state, and federal agencies to investigate drug trafficking not only in Nashville, but across the state,” said TBI spokeswoman Susan Niland. “Last week, a different multi-agency investigation into a drug operation in Nashville resulted in the seizure of more than 400 pounds of methamphetamine and the arrest of three people.”
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Pete D’Abrosca is a reporter at The Tennessee Star and The Star News Network. Follow Pete on X / Twitter.
