Drug bust in Memphis leads to arrests and gun seizures, SCSO says

The Shelby County Sheriff’s Officeafter a nearly 20-month investigation, he arrested 16 people allegedly involved in a nationwide drug ring, the office said during a Monday afternoon news conference.

The months-long investigation was called Operation Ending Insight and resulted in the indictment of all 16 arrestees.

“I can tell you that the detectives who investigated this case worked around the clock,” sheriff’s deputy Anthony Buckner said during a news conference. “I want to make sure I say this. I know that people often call our office asking, “What does the Sheriff’s Office do for the citizens of Memphis?” “I think this… case really speaks to our efforts to work with the Memphis Police Department, as well as the city of Memphis, in reducing crime throughout Shelby County.”

Buckner said investigators obtained 11 search warrants for homes and warehouses throughout Shelby County. He said the searches resulted in the seizure of about $110,000, “a large quantity of fentanyl and marijuana,” 17 vehicles and seven firearms, including an assault weapon.

A Memphis nightclub under investigation remains open

“Detectives also managed to disrupt the sale of approximately 24 kilograms of cocaine worth approximately $500,000,” Buckner added.

The alleged drug ring was based at Club Insight nightclub in South Memphis, at 216 East McLemore Ave. Buckner said the sheriff’s office believes the investigation “is over,” when asked if the 16 men arrested were connected to the entire alleged drug ring. .

“I would like to say it is closed today, but it can certainly be reopened if new information comes to light,” he said.

The nightclub remains open, although Buckner said there have been ongoing discussions with the Shelby County District Attorney’s Office about potential remedies, such as declaring it a nuisance. On Oct. 23, the district attorney’s office said Memphis the hotel was closed after numerous criminal complaints.