Cocaine and pills seized during Shelby County Violent Crime Initiative

MEMPHIS, Tenn. — Agents with the West Tennessee Drug Task Force seized a large quantity of illegal drugs on the first day of their violent crime initiative.

On August 30, officers seized two kilos of cocaine, 1 kilo of fentanyl and 500 Xanax pills.

Later investigation revealed that the drugs originated in Dallas and were headed to Memphis.

According to Johnie Carter, director of the Drug Task Force, the packages appear to be part of a much larger shipment smuggled into the U.S.

Photos from the Drug Task Force show symbols on the front of the packages.

Photo courtesy of the West Tennessee Drug Task Force

“It has become a trend recently for cartels to brand their products with stolen trademarks, just as legitimate companies would do, so that sellers and users can identify the drug and determine whether it meets their expectations,” Carter said.

The initiative, known as VCIF, is funded in part by Gov. Bill Lee’s office.

The investigation is ongoing. The Shelby County Prosecutor’s Office will prosecute the case.