ATHENS, Tennessee — Four people are in custody following a months-long drug investigation in Athens.
Athens police officers said they found thousands of fentanyl tablets and several pounds of methamphetamine, which began after they pulled over a vehicle on April 11.
According to the Athens Police Department, Athens and McMinn County officers were asked by the 10th Judicial District Drug Task Force to stop a vehicle as part of an ongoing investigation. APD said the task force has been investigating a meth and fentanyl distribution operation in Athens for several months.
Officers said they found meth, fentanyl and firearms inside a vehicle during the traffic stop.
Athens police then obtained a search warrant to search a home on South Congress Parkway. The Tennessee Bureau of Investigation, Drug Task Force and McMinn County Sheriff's Office assisted.
After searching the vehicle and home, agents said they found approximately 9 lbs of methamphetamine, more than 3,100 fentanyl tablets and roughly 8 grams of Xylazine powder, better known as "tranq." Officers also seized three guns, saying one was stolen.
The following four people were taken into custody, according to Athens police:
- Marc Allen Blair for possession of methamphetamine for resale over 300 grams, possession of fentanyl for resale over 150 grams, possession of a firearm during the commission of a dangerous felony, and possession of drug paraphernalia
- Jason Keith Lemke for possession of methamphetamine for resale over 300 grams, possession of fentanyl for resale over 150 grams, possession of a firearm during the commission of a dangerous felony, possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, and possession of drug paraphernalia
- Jerremy Scott Ledbetter for possession of methamphetamine for resale
- Beth Lunsford for violation of probation
