Huge drug round-up in Loudon County

LENOIR CITY, Tenn. (WVLT)--Loudon County investigators have their hands full with a drug bust of their own arresting a dozen suspected dealers. They're calling it one of the largest round-ups in Loudon County history. For the first time ever, more women than men are being arrested on drug charges.

A bad day for several women who were handcuffed and accused of selling pills and much more. Ninth Judicial Drug Task Force District Attorney Russell Johnson says, "Some of this is also involved the sale of cocaine, crack, and even marijuana."

That's not all. They got pot, cash and cell phones and this is just from one person. Another bust brought in liquid morphine. In all, local and federal agents arrested 18 people. Loudon Police Officer Jonathan Yates says, "It will slow down for a little bit, but it's not going to stop it."

Prescription pills are the number one problem in Loudon County even over meth and marijuana. Women are the main ones getting the pills and selling them. Johnson says, "Now our biggest jail overcrowding issue comes from the female population and you're seeing an equal male female ratio ."

Investigators will work through the night tonight to bring in the ones who got away. There are about 7 they're trying to apprehend right now. This type of round up takes at least 6 months to organize. The people arrested Thursday face felony charges, so they'll likely do some time in jail. Prosectors will make plea deals with most of them to get information on other dealers.

Drug roundup nets 20 arrests in Loudon County

By News Sentinel staff

LOUDON — Twenty people were arrested on more than 40 felony drug-related warrants during a series of operations Thursday in Loudon County, District Attorney General Russell Johnson said.

The action “is the first wave of several ‘roundup operations’ to come within the district in the near future,” according to a news release from Johnson, who oversees prosecutions in the 9th Judicial District.

Arrests were made in Lenoir City, Loudon and Loudon County, the DA said.

Thursday’s operation targeted the unlawful sale and distribution of prescription medication, marijuana, crack cocaine “and other harmful controlled substances,” the news release stated.

Several vehicles, money and other assets were seized from suspects. Johnson said local, state, federal “and even military counterdrug agents” participated in Thursday’s operations.

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2/25/13