NASHVILLE,
Tenn. - It's not uncommon for Metro Police to bust markets for carrying
synthetic marijuana, often labeled as incense or potpourri. Over the summer,
law enforcement had this message as they were conducting a series of raids to
enforce a new law that made selling the drugs illegal.
"The message ought to be
loud and clear. If you're engaged in this kind of behavior, if you're selling
or distributing synthetic drugs in violation of federal law, we'll come after
you and prosecute you fully,"
On Friday evening in a quiet
East Nashville community, neighbors' suspicions were confirmed.
"I knew it was something
going on. I kind of suspected it was drug dealing of some sort," Rick
Davis said.
According to an affidavit,
police seized 343 grams of synthetic marijuana and other drug paraphernalia
from a house on Delmas Avenue. Officers also found more than $30,000 in cash
and guns including an AR 15.
"I've been noticing
(activity) for the past few months," Davis said. "…cars coming and
going, and packages being picked up and delivered."
Police arrested 42-year-old
Tracey Middleton and 23-year-old Salvatore Randazzo. They were the target of an
undercover operation where they allegedly sold officers 30 grams of synthetic
marijuana. A search of their car uncovered 160 grams of synthetic marijuana and
$1503. After the arrest, they consented to a search of their home.
The arrest came as good news to
some in the community, who say they want the illegal activity out of their
neighborhood.
"I think it's something
that needs to be addressed and taken care of," Davis said. "We don't
tolerate it. We don't want it here."
Middleton and Randazzo have
been charged with multiple felony counts of possession of drugs with the intent
to sell.
