A traffic stop in Decatur County led to the discovery of 10 kilos of Fentanyl, which is valued at nearly $13 million. It is one of the largest Fentanyl busts in the state of Tennessee.
An agent with the 24th Judicial District Drug Task Force - Interstate Criminal Enforcement Unit made the traffic stop on Interstate 40 Tuesday.
“I commend my officers in the 24th Judicial Drug Task Force for their outstanding work today,” states District Attorney Matthew Stowe. “We are very pleased to announce this afternoon’s seizure of a large about of Fentanyl. This is an extremely dangerous drug and to have taken 10 kilos off the street is a victory for our citizens.”
Richardo Ernesto Gomez, Jr., 26, of Donna, TX and Kristian Lee Torres, 22, of San Antonio, TX. were arrested during the stop.
“At a time when the legislature is considering cutting funds for the Drug Task Force teams, this bust proves that our officers are making a huge difference in finding illegal drug trafficking couriers and getting these drugs off the street and way from our communities,” Stowe continues.
According to DEA spokesman Russ Baer, “That [one] kilo of Fentanyl can produce between 16 and 24 kilos of [other derivative drugs, such as a form of synthetic heroine] ultimately yielding profits of $ 1.3 million after it’s sold on the street.”
Tuesday's bust held the potential street value of approximately $13 Million.
“I have worked for the last three years to put together the best team of agents to combat this rampant problem with drugs and drug trafficking,” Stowe states. “My team and I are committed to keeping our district safe and we will prosecute, to the fullest extent of the law, anyone caught selling, manufacturing or, as in this case, transporting dangerous drugs.”
Both men were being held at the Decatur County Detention Center in Decaturville.
