THP Trooper Makes Heroin Seizure on I-40 in Hickman County
Thursday, February 24, 2011 | 08:09am
NASHVILLE --- A Tennessee State Trooper making a traffic stop on I-40 in Hickman County Tuesday morning seized two pounds of heroin with an estimated value of $500,000.
On Tuesday, February 22, 2011 at approximately 9:00 a.m., Trooper Michael Kilpatrick stopped a blue 2004 Ford Explorer with Texas tags for speeding at mile marker 158 eastbound on I-40.
Upon approaching the vehicle, Trooper Kilpatrick observed several indicators of suspicious criminal behavior and called for assistance from the 21st Judicial Drug Task Force Agent Rhett Campbell. Troopers Allen Leverette and Travis Plotzer also assisted.
After receiving consent to search the vehicle, Trooper Kilpatrick deployed his K9 which alerted on the rear seat and center console area. Further search revealed 4 plastic bags under the console and two plastic bags underneath the carpet. Each bag contained approximately 500 small plastic bags with approximately a half gram of heroin in each. The total amount of heroin was approximately two pounds and has an estimated street valued of $500,000.
Driver Ricardo Ernesto Gutierrez-Resendiz, 22, and Jorge Miguel Derramadero-Guerrero, 21, both of Dallas, Texas, are charged with possession of schedule 1 for resale. The vehicle and drugs were seized in accordance with state law. A Photo of the drug seizure is attached. Photos of the suspects can be obtained from the Hickman County Sheriff’s Office.
The Tennessee Department of Safety’s (www.TN.Gov/safety) mission is to ensure the safety and general welfare of the public. The department encompasses the Tennessee Highway Patrol, Office of Homeland Security and Driver License Services. General areas of responsibility include law enforcement, safety education, motorist services and terrorism prevention.