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The Tennessee Conservative [By Olivia Lupia] –
The U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Tennessee announced last week that fifteen people have been federally indicted for orchestrating and operating a multi-state drug trafficking organization, though one suspect remains at large.
Dubbed Operation “Been Getting Bags”, the 18-month investigation was led by the Drug Enforcement Administration which partnered with multiple federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies.
The team uncovered hundreds of pounds of illegal drugs, 50 firearms, and $550,000 in cash. Officials speculate the trafficking ring began as early as June 2024 and ran through November of 2025.
“Today, I’m pleased to announce the unsealing of a federal indictment charging 15 members of a drug trafficking organization with conspiracy to posses with the intent to distribute more than 1,000 kilograms of marijuana and conspiracy to commit money laundering,” U.S Attorney Mike Dunavant said. “Fourteen of the 15 defendants have now been arrested on this two-count indictment, and one defendant remains at large.”
Through the course of making arrests, investigators confiscated 207 pounds of marijuana, two ounces of crack cocaine, approximately 1,850 cultivated marijuana plants in Oklahoma and Tennessee, two kilo presses, approximately $550,000 in U.S. currency, approximately 50 firearms, one marijuana grow lab in Oklahoma, one marijuana grow lab in Memphis, and jewelry and luxury vehicles valued at over $1 million.
Nine of those apprehended were arrested in Tennessee, two in Oklahoma, two in Texas, and one in California. One of those arrested was a Chinese national who was described as a “supplier of the organization” by DEA Special Agent in Charge Jim Scott.
If convicted on both counts of the indictments, the offenders each face up to 30 years in federal prison without the possibility of parole, and/or fines of up to $10 million. Several of the defendants are also accused of money laundering conspiracy, which carries a sentence of up to 20 years in federal prison.
The following defendants have been indicted for conspiracy to possess with the intent to distribute more than 1,000 kilograms of marijuana:
- Myron Armstrong, aka “BG”, 49 – Memphis, Tennessee
- Chad Hendricks, 34 – Milburn, Oklahoma
- Ping Huang, aka “Jason”, 44 – People’s Republic of China
- Carlos Atkins, aka “Papa Smurf”, aka “Lo”, 52 – Memphis, Tennessee
- Kevin Brandon, aka “Bam”, 40 – Millington, Tennessee
- Brandon Burkett, 41 – Magnolia, Texas
- Ricio Conner, 50 – Jackson, Tennessee
- Willie Love, aka “June Bug”, 51 – Memphis, Tennessee
- Prenston Moore, aka “Twin”, 44 – Memphis, Tennessee
- Thomas Smith, aka “TC”, 47 – Memphis, Tennessee
- Cris Thetford, 44 – Durant, Oklahoma
- Raevyn Tuggle, 28 – Memphis, Tennessee
- Terrance Wash, aka “Car Wash”, aka “Rick Ross”, 45 – Memphis, Tennessee
- Anthony Williams, aka “Ant”, 41 – Allen, Texas
Attorney Dunavant added there could be more charges added to the indictments and that more people could be arrested in connection with the case as investigators pursue any remaining leads or connections.
About the Author: Olivia Lupia is a political refugee from Colorado who now calls Tennessee home. A proud follower of Christ, she views all political happenings through a Biblical lens and aims to utilize her knowledge and experience to educate and equip others. Olivia is an outspoken conservative who has run for local office, managed campaigns, and been highly involved with state & local GOPs, state legislatures, and other grassroots organizations and movements. Olivia can be reached at olivia@tennesseeconservativenews.com.
