Nashville, September 18, 2025
News Summary
The DEA has dismantled an MS-13 crime cell operating in Nashville, resulting in the arrest of 17 members across multiple states. This significant operation, part of a nine-month investigation, has led to the seizure of large quantities of illegal drugs and firearms, improving safety for Nashville residents. The coordinated effort involved several law enforcement agencies and is part of ongoing actions against drug trafficking organizations labeled as Foreign Terrorist Organizations.
Nashville
The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) has successfully dismantled a cell of the international crime gang MS-13 that was operating in Nashville. This significant operation results from a nine-month investigation, culminating in the execution of search warrants across Nashville in mid-September.
In this coordinated effort, 17 members and associates of MS-13 were arrested across three states: Tennessee, California, and Oklahoma. The investigation has led to the seizure of bulk quantities of marijuana, counterfeit pills, cocaine, THC vapes, and liquid psilocybin. Additionally, multiple firearms were confiscated during the operation, including assault rifles, highlighting the level of violence and criminal activity associated with this gang.
DEA Administrator Terrance Cole stated that the arrests represent a critical milestone in the mission to dismantle drug trafficking organizations designated as Foreign Terrorist Organizations by President Trump. He noted that with these arrests, the residents of Nashville are now safer, and he assured that more enforcement actions against MS-13 will follow.
Jim Scott, Special Agent in Charge of the Louisville Field Division, indicated that the actions taken are just the beginning of ongoing efforts to combat criminal organizations that prey on the vulnerable population. This operation highlights a multi-agency collaboration that included the Army Criminal Investigation Division, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the FBI, the U.S. Marshals Service, Immigration and Customs Enforcement, the Metro Nashville Police Department, and local drug task forces.
Understanding MS-13
MS-13 is characterized as a violent criminal gang that originated in Los Angeles in the 1980s. Over the years, it has expanded its reach to El Salvador, Guatemala, and Honduras, establishing a presence in every U.S. state. The gang is notorious for its involvement in the illegal drug trade and for employing ruthless tactics including extortion, human trafficking, assault, and murder.
Public Involvement
The DEA encourages the public to report any information regarding MS-13 or other criminal groups anonymously through the DEA Tip Line. This call for community engagement is crucial in the ongoing battle against organized crime and ensuring public safety.
FAQ
What operation did the DEA conduct in Nashville?
The DEA announced the dismantling of a cell of the international crime gang MS-13 operating in Nashville.
How many individuals were arrested during this operation?
A total of 17 members and associates of MS-13 were arrested across three states: Tennessee, California, and Oklahoma.
What substances were seized during the operation?
During the search warrants, agents seized bulk quantities of marijuana, counterfeit pills, cocaine, THC vapes, and liquid psilocybin.
What types of firearms were confiscated?
Multiple firearms were confiscated during the operation, including assault rifles.
What is the significance of this operation?
These arrests represent a critical milestone in the mission to dismantle drug trafficking organizations deemed Foreign Terrorist Organizations by President Trump.
What is MS-13?
MS-13 is characterized as a violent criminal gang that started in Los Angeles in the 1980s and has since expanded to El Salvador, Guatemala, and Honduras, with a presence in every U.S. state.
How can the public help in fighting against MS-13?
The DEA encourages the public to report any information regarding MS-13 or other criminal groups anonymously via the DEA Tip Line.
Key Features of the DEA Operation
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Operation | Dismantling of MS-13 cell in Nashville |
| Duration of Investigation | Nine months |
| Arrests Made | 17 members and associates |
| States Involved | Tennessee, California, Oklahoma |
| Substances Seized | Marijuana, counterfeit pills, cocaine, THC vapes, liquid psilocybin |
| Firearms Confiscated | Multiple, including assault rifles |
| Collaborating Agencies | DEA, Army CID, ATF, FBI, U.S. Marshals, ICE, local police |
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Additional Resources
- WSMV: DEA Dismantles Nashville Cell of MS-13
- Wikipedia: MS-13
- WKRN: Nashville MS-13 Cell Dismantled by DEA
- Google Search: MS-13
- Fox17: DEA’s Probe Leads to MS-13 Arrests
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Drug Enforcement Administration
- Scioto Post: DEA Dismantles MS-13 Cell in Nashville
- Google News: DEA MS-13 Operation
- The Center Square: MS-13 Cell Dismantled in Nashville
- Google Scholar: MS-13
Author: HERE Nashville
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