MURFREESBORO, Tenn. - An undercover cop is attacked, police said by possible gang members linked to an illegal drug operation out of Atlanta.
Some call it the "Codeine Pipeline" between Tennessee and Georgia involving guns, forged prescriptions and a powerful, purple narcotic drink.
It happened at a Walgreens' pharmacy on Old Fort Parkway in Murfreesboro.
The suspects used forged prescriptions in an effort to get away with powerful codeine cough syrup.
It's a powerful, thick pink narcotic sold as a shot glass cocktail on the street for up to $40 an ounce.
Murfreesboro police said three possible gang members, all out of Atlanta, may be part of a so-called "Codeine Pipeline."
Newschannel 5 has learned vice agents are investigating a possible illegal drug enterprise running the codeine laced syrup between Tennessee and Georgia.
"Traveling the I-24 corridor obtaining the controlled substances and then going back to Atlanta where they sell for a huge profit," said Kyle Evans with the Murfreesboro Police who added those involved don't hesitate to get violent if confronted.
That didn't stop Murfreesboro Police Vice and Gang units which responded to a tip at the Walgreen's Pharmacy.
The suspects choose locations near I-24 for a quick getaway.
"By the time the pharmacist realized the forged script, they are out of town headed back toward Atlanta," said Evans.
This time though, officers moved in on the suspects.
One pulled a gun, another head-butted a vice agent splitting his forehead open.
But this time they didn't get away with the drugs. All three were arrested and booked on drug and assault charges.
Vice detectives say this is just the latest in a string of pharmacy robberies with narcotics that are likely taken across state lines. They are no working with Atlanta police on the case.
More arrests are expected.
