Significant Amounts of Cocaine, Meth, Fentanyl and Marijuana Seized in Southeast Nashville Drug Investigation

Specialized Investigations Division narcotics detectives have the lead in a significant drug seizure Tuesday night in southeast Nashville. This case ensures that multiple pounds of cocaine along with quantities of meth, fentanyl, marijuana and three guns will not be on the streets of Nashville.

The enforcement actions Tuesday night began with a traffic stop on a Chevrolet Silverado pickup truck for running the red light at Murfreesboro Pike and Bell Road. Alexander Franklin Rodriguez, 33, was driving. Rodriguez consented to a search of the truck, during which a kilo of cocaine was found in the center console. Also in the vehicle were a pistol and a money counter.

The investigation then transitioned to 2157 Forge Ridge Circle where Rodriguez had been staying. As detectives arrived, two men were seen coming out of the home with several bundles, which they placed in the back seat of a Ford Taurus. A police drug dog checked the car and alerted to the presence of narcotic odor. Inside the Taurus were 12 pounds of cocaine, nearly one pound of meth, one pound of fentanyl, four pounds of marijuana, three guns and cash.

Rodriguez is charged with possession of cocaine for resale, gun possession in the commission of a dangerous felony, and evading arrest. His bond is set at $105,000.

The two men who emerged from 2157 Forge Ridge Circle, Jose Araujo-Rivas, 32, and Jose Gachuz-Zamora, 35, are charged with possession of cocaine, fentanyl, meth and marijuana for resale, gun possession in the commission of a dangerous felony and possession of drug paraphernalia. Araujo-Rivas is jailed in lieu of $265,000 bond. Gachuz-Zamora's bond is set at $267,000.

Assisting MNPD detectives in this investigation were personnel from the Southeast Precinct, LaVergne Police, DEA, and the TBI.