KNOXVILLE, Tenn. — Four people in two East Tennessee counties have been indicted on drug charges related to fentanyl, methamphetamine and cocaine as part of an ongoing effort to shut down a drug pipeline from Detroit, according to the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation.
The TBI on Thursday identified the four as Scotty W. Burton, 33, of Rogersville; Summer R. Simpson, 26, of Rogersville; Christopher D. James, 33, of Knoxville; and Joshua Simmons, 32, of Detroit.
A Knox County grand jury indicted them last week.
Last month, the TBI, Knoxville police, and the 5th Judicial District Drug Task Force executed a search warrant at a housing development on Daylily Drive in South Knoxville, according to the TBI.
They found and seized, among other things, cocaine and fentanyl as well as guns.
"As a result of information gathered during the search, several individuals were identified as being part of a conspiracy to sell controlled substances in Knox County and surrounding areas," a TBI news release states.
On Tuesday, area authorities rounded up Burton at his Rogersville home and James and Simmons in Knoxville. Simpson was in the Hawkins County Jail.
Simmons faces counts that include conspiracy to sell a controlled substance, cocaine sales, and unlawful possession of a firearm during a dangerous felony.
James faces counts that include conspiracy to sell a controlled substance, cocaine sales, and possession of a firearm during a dangerous felony.
Simpson and Burton are charged with conspiracy to sell a controlled substance.
Authorities previously announced the start of the 313 Initiative, by which numerous agencies are working together to target drug sellers and groups bringing in drugs from the Detroit area.
