Tennessee task force seizes fentanyl and horse tranquilizer from ‘secret compartment’ on tractor trailer on I-40

A routine traffic stop on a tractor trailer traveling through Tennessee ending in a major drug seizure, officials say.

The drug seizure took place in the early morning hours of April 21 on I-40 in Haywood County, Tennessee.

Agents with the West Tennessee Violent Crime And Drug Task Force (DTF) observed a tractor trailer “traveling eastbound without due regard.”

A traffic stop was initiated, and agents “rapidly developed reasonable suspicion to deploy Canine Pongo.”

The canine unit alerted to the presence of drugs in the trailer.

A probable cause search was conducted.

“During the search, Agents located a secret compartment within the cargo that contained approximately 16 pounds of what field tested positive as fentanyl and a 50 milliliter bottle labeled as Mexican manufactured Xylazine. Xylazine, also known as “Tranq,” is a veterinarian horse tranquilizer commonly mixed in and sold with fentanyl as well as abused by itself,” said the West Tennessee DTF.

As the investigation continued, agents learned that the truck was hauling freight from Compton, California, to Knoxville, Tennessee.

“The driver was identified on the scene and was cooperative with the investigation. Agents were able to rule out any complicity on their part,” the Task Force said.

“Fentanyl and Tranq are among the deadliest of poisions being trafficked today,” said D.A. Steve Mulroy, one of three board members overseeing the DTF. “Congrats to the DTF agents, especially our new recruit Pongo, who definitely deserves a treat.”

“I’d like to commend all involved Agents on a job well done in getting this fentanyl and Xylazine off the streets of Tennessee, making it a safer place to live, work and raise a family,” said DTF Director Johnie Carter. “Furthermore, I would like to extend my kudos to Canine Pongo and his handler on making their first seizure as a team. I am proud of their teamwork and am looking forward to what’s to come.”