In Haywood County, Tennessee, a substantial law enforcement operation resulted in the seizure of over 1,000 pounds of cannabis, nearly 50 pounds of psilocybin-infused edibles, commonly known as “magic mushrooms,” and $45,000 in cash. The discovery occurred during a routine traffic check on Interstate 40 late Monday evening, according to official reports.
A citizen of Russia, who had been traveling from California, was apprehended and now faces legal charges.
According to a statement by The West Tennessee Drug Task Force, their agents, affiliated with the 30th Judicial District’s interdiction unit in Memphis, stopped a sprinter van for not properly displaying its registration. This led to a suspicion-based search by a trained narcotics detection dog.
Agents uncovered more than half a ton of cannabis, 46 pounds of chocolate-based psilocybin edibles, and a significant sum of money, believed to be the proceeds of drug sales. The Task Force’s Director, Johnie Carter, remarked that this haul is among the largest ever confiscated by his team.
Carter reflected, “In terms of sheer weight, this is unprecedented for us, especially considering our nearly three decades of operation.”
It was noted that the packages found were marked for various destinations across the United States, suggesting that the journey from California involved multiple stops to distribute the narcotics. “The deliveries stretched as far as New York,” Carter disclosed, describing the stash as perilously stored in the van’s rear.
The suspect, 43-year-old Savinov Kirill, was detained at the Haywood County Jail, facing charges related to the trafficking of Schedule I and VI substances.
Director Carter added that Kirill, originating from Russia, has been in the U.S. for approximately eight months. He praised his team for their diligence, coming off another significant operation that netted 85 pounds of fentanyl just the week prior.
In a related incident, Ernesto Ortiz, 42, and Maria Munoz-Arevalo, 25, from Humble, Texas, were arrested under accusations of distributing a Schedule II controlled substance, with the court setting their bond at $5 million.
As for Kirill, he currently remains in custody without the option of bond.
