22 arrested in connection with Bedford County fentanyl seizure

BEDFORD COUNTY, Tenn. (WKRN) — Twenty-two people face about 130 charges after agents with the 17th Judicial District Drug Task Force identified an increase in fentanyl overdoses and eventually seized fentanyl, cocaine and more as part of a multi-agency investigation.

According to the Shelbyville Police Department, the fentanyl overdoses were connected with pills that were circulating in Bedford County. The pills were reportedly designed to look like prescription Percocet as they were blue tablets with “M” on one side and “30” on the other.

Shelbyville police said the 17th Judicial District Drug Task Force and the Drug Enforcement Administration launched an extensive investigation in late 2023. In the summer of 2024, the investigation expanded to include detectives from the Shelbyville Police Department as well as a deputy and a K-9 ranger from the Bedford County Sheriff’s Department.

In all, authorities seized:

• 2,366 counterfeit fentanyl pills
• 14.5 grams of fentanyl powder
• 10 grams of cocaine
• 7 grams of MDMA
• 3 grams of crystal methamphetamine
• 4 psilocybin-infused candy bars
• 180 grams of marijuana
• 9 firearms, 3 of which were reported stolen

Detectives conducted 23 controlled purchases as part of this investigation as well as eight traffic stops. Four fugitives were arrested, two search warrants were executed and one search was conducted on someone who was on parole or probation.