Major Drug Busts in Memphis Target Methamphetamine Trafficking

Memphis, Tennessee, September 22, 2025

News Summary

The West Tennessee Drug Task Force conducted two major operations in the 38131 zip code, leading to the seizure of 118 pounds of meth, as well as cocaine and prescription pills. This initiative aims to combat drug trafficking in Memphis and includes funding to reduce violent crime in high-risk areas. The ongoing operations highlight the urgent need for law enforcement efforts to address narcotics issues affecting the community. No arrests have been disclosed as investigations continue.

Memphis, Tennessee – The West Tennessee Drug Task Force (DTF) announced two significant drug busts in the 38131 zip code, located near Airways and Democrat roads, just west of the Memphis airport. In one operation, agents seized 118 pounds (53 kilos) of methamphetamine, a substantial amount indicative of major drug trafficking activities.

This methamphetamine seizure is part of a broader effort funded by the Governor’s Violent Crime Intervention Funding Zip Code Grant. The funding aims to reduce violent crime in Tennessee’s ten most violent zip codes, which include areas like the 38131 zip code. The Shelby County District Attorney emphasized that the scale of the meth seizure points to significant drug trafficking challenges in the region.

In a separate operation conducted on Friday morning, the task force seized 2.5 pounds of cocaine, along with five bottles containing 507 pills of OxyContin and another bottle containing 398 pills of Alprazolam (Xanax). These actions represent a concerted effort by the task force to curb drug trafficking in high-crime areas of West Tennessee.

The DTF director noted that there has been a noticeable increase in drug seizures in 2025, highlighting a troubling trend in the fight against narcotics in the region. However, specific details regarding any arrests made during these operations have not been disclosed, as investigations are ongoing.

The Shelby County District Attorney’s Office will handle the prosecution of the cases related to these significant drug seizures, indicating the seriousness of the offenses involved. The West Tennessee Drug Task Force continues its vital work in combating drug-related crimes as part of its overarching aim to improve public safety and reduce violence in the affected communities.

As drug abuse and trafficking continue to pose critical challenges within the state, the ongoing support from government initiatives and law enforcement agencies is crucial for the continued fight against these threats. The recent operations showcase the importance of interagency collaboration and the impact of strategic funding on law enforcement effectiveness.

Background Context

The establishment of the West Tennessee Drug Task Force has been a crucial step in addressing the rising drug-related crime rates in various neighborhoods. Funded initiatives like the Governor’s Violent Crime Intervention Funding Zip Code Grant aim to mitigate the root causes of violent crime by targeting specific areas with high levels of narcotic-related offenses.

Shelby County and Memphis have long contended with challenges surrounding methamphetamine and other narcotics, necessitating proactive and aggressive law enforcement measures. The community’s safety increasingly depends on successful interventions from local task forces dedicated to this cause.

FAQ

What recent drug seizures were announced by the West Tennessee Drug Task Force?

The West Tennessee Drug Task Force announced two significant drug busts in the 38131 zip code, including a seizure of 118 pounds (53 kilos) of methamphetamine and separate seizures of cocaine and prescription pills.

What funding supports the operations of the Drug Task Force?

This methamphetamine seizure is part of efforts funded by the Governor’s Violent Crime Intervention Funding Zip Code Grant.

Why is this funding important?

The goal of the funding is to reduce violent crime in Tennessee’s ten most violent zip codes.

What other narcotics were seized in the separate operation on Friday morning?

In a separate operation, agents seized 2.5 pounds of cocaine, five bottles totaling 507 pills of OxyContin, and one bottle containing 398 pills of Alprazolam (Xanax).

What does the Shelby County District Attorney’s Office intend to do regarding these cases?

The Shelby County District Attorney’s Office will prosecute the cases related to these drug seizures.

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Additional Resources

• WREG: Guns, Drugs, and Cash Seized in Memphis Drug Bust
• Wikipedia: Memphis
• Hoodline: Memphis Drug Task Force Confiscates Cocaine and Prescription Pills
• Google Search: Drug Seizures in Tennessee
• Local Memphis: Undercover Operation Busts Fentanyl and Cocaine Ring
• Google Scholar: Drug Task Force Operations Tennessee
• Fox 13 Memphis: West Tennessee Drug Task Force Reports Back-to-Back Drug Seizures
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Drug Trafficking
• Action News 5: Convicted Felon Arrested After Weapon Drug Bust
• Google News: Memphis Drug Bust

Author: STAFF HERE MEMPHIS WRITER

The MEMPHIS STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREMemphis.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Memphis, Shelby County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Beale Street Music Festival, Elvis Week, and Memphis in May International Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Memphis Chamber and the Memphis Convention & Visitors Bureau, plus leading businesses in logistics, healthcare, and music that power the local economy such as FedEx, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, and AutoZone. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREBristol.com, HEREChattanooga.com, HEREKnoxville.com, and HERENashville.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Tennessee's dynamic landscape.