‘Operation Trojan Horse’ results in 51 indictments
Operation Trojan Horse results in 51 indictments
By Logan Watson
A motorcade of state and local law enforcement officers descended on Gibson County last Wednesday with one goal: ridding our area of illegal narcotics.
According to Special Agent in Charge Johnie Carter, a six-month undercover drug investigation conducted by the 28th Judicial Drug Task Force, code-named Operation Trojan Horse, resulted in 70 felony drug charges and the indictments of 51 people.
Operation Trojan Horse was conducted in conjunction with the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation and with the assistance of the Gibson County Sheriff’s Office, the Milan and Trenton police departments, the Tennessee Alcoholic Beverage Commission and members of the West Tennessee DTF from Memphis and Dyersburg.
Among those indicted were at least three known gang members, eight suspects on probation or parole and 29 felons previously convicted of crimes, including drug trafficking, aggravated assault on an officer and attempted first-degree murder. The operation focused on the sale of methamphetamine, crack cocaine and opioid-based prescription pain pills.
According to Captain Terry Jones of the Milan Police Department, 24 arrests stemming from the 51 total indictments were made in Milan.
“It went really smoothly,” said Captain Jones. “We caught a lot of them by surprise. We’re working hard to send the message that we don’t want this stuff in our neighborhoods. We won’t tolerate it.”
Agent Carter stated that of the 51 indictments, 41 individuals were apprehended, and that law enforcement officers will continue to be on the lookout for the remaining individuals. The investigation began following concerns of local law enforcement leaders with street-level narcotics sales, as well as complaints from residents in their areas.
“The success of this operation was the result of the teamwork and dedication of these officers and agencies,” said Agent Carter. “Our focus was to make the streets safer for law-abiding citizens and for the children to be able to enjoy their spring and summer breaks in safety. I believe the hard work of all the contributing agencies have helped us achieve that goal.”
If you have information about drug sales in your community, please contact the 28th Drug Task Force at 731-784-0555. Caller ID is not used and callers can remain anonymous.
The 28th Drug Task Force is made up of officers assigned full-time from the Gibson and Crockett county Sheriff’s offices and the Humboldt, Trenton and Milan police departments.
OPERATION TROJAN HORSE – Law enforcement officers from the Milan Police Department and the Gibson County Sheriff’s Office stop at the Quick Stop on Ellis Street to plan their next move. Photo by Logan Watson.
