Tennessee Highway Patrol Interdiction Trooper Arrests Man on Felony Drug Charges in Campbell County

NASHVILLE –- A Tennessee State Trooper arrested a man on felony drug charges in Campbell County on Tuesday evening.

Trooper Jonathan Scott of the Tennessee Highway Patrol’s (THP) East Bureau Interdiction Plus team stopped a 2011 Land Rover that was hauling a trailer for several traffic violations, including following too close and inoperable tail lights, on Interstate 75 northbound at the exit ramp of mile marker 156 at approximately 6:21 p.m. on yesterday. Upon the initial contact with the male driver, Trooper Scott discovered that he was driving on a suspended license and that the owner of the vehicle was not present.  The driver also admitted that he was on parole for cocaine trafficking.

The driver was initially arrested for driving on a suspended driver’s license. He was secured in a patrol unit while Trooper Scott took inventory of the Land Rover prior to towing the vehicle. In the rear cargo of the vehicle, the investigating trooper uncovered a protective case containing a cellophane bag of approximately five grams of crystal methamphetamine. Trooper Scott then located a hydration bladder with approximately one kilogram (2.2 lbs.) of methamphetamine in a back pack.

While surveying the area around the vehicle, the interdiction trooper found a clear Ziploc bag of four grams of methamphetamine. He later discovered that the suspect had thrown the paraphernalia onto the ground earlier.

The driver, Michael Hill, 42, of Versailles, Ky., was charged with possession of schedule II drugs with intent to sale or deliver, tampering with evidence and felony possession of drug paraphernalia. He was also charged with driving on a suspended license, following too close, inoperable tail lights and no proof of insurance. Hill was taken to the Campbell County Sheriff’s Office.

The vehicle, motorcycle and $2,690 in U.S. currency were also seized in accordance with state law.

Booking photos may be obtained from the Campbell County Sheriff’s Office.

The Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security’s (TN.Gov/safety) mission is to serve, secure, and protect the people of Tennessee.

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