Memphis, TN – Federal authorities have announced sweeping charges against a group accused of running a large-scale, multi-state drug trafficking network that stretched from Tennessee to California. Officials stated that fourteen of the fifteen individuals named in the indictment are now in custody, with one suspect still unaccounted for as investigators continue to follow new leads.
Multi-Agency Investigation Uncovered a Multi-State Trafficking Pipeline
An 18-month investigation, known to agents as Operation Been Getting Bags, brought together the Drug Enforcement Administration and a coalition of federal, state, and local law enforcement partners. According to the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Tennessee, investigators believe the operation began as early as June 2024 and continued through November 2025.
Authorities say the organization moved large quantities of illegal drugs and laundered money across several states. During the investigation, agents seized hundreds of pounds of narcotics, cash, firearms, and equipment linked to cultivation and distribution.
Officials Describe a Large, Well-Organized Trafficking Operation
In announcing the indictment, U.S. Attorney Mike Dunavant said, “Today, I’m pleased to announce the unsealing of a federal indictment charging 15 members of a drug trafficking organization with conspiracy to possess with the intent to distribute more than 1,000 kilograms of marijuana and conspiracy to commit money laundering.” He added that fourteen defendants have been arrested, while one remains at large.
Investigators recovered 207 pounds of marijuana, two ounces of crack cocaine, approximately 1,850 cultivated marijuana plants, two kilo presses, and around $550,000 in cash. Authorities also seized 50 firearms, two marijuana grow labs—one in Oklahoma and one in Memphis—and luxury vehicles and jewelry valued at more than $1 million.
Arrests Spanned Multiple States Across the Trafficking Network
Those taken into custody were arrested across the country, including nine in Tennessee, two in Oklahoma, two in Texas, and one in California. DEA Special Agent in Charge Jim Scott noted that among those arrested was a Chinese national identified as a key supplier for the organization.
If convicted, each defendant faces up to 30 years in federal prison without parole for the drug-related charges, along with fines that could reach $10 million. Several defendants also face money laundering conspiracy charges, which carry an additional potential 20-year federal sentence.
List of Defendants Charged in the Federal Indictment
Authorities released the names of those indicted on conspiracy to possess with the intent to distribute more than 1,000 kilograms of marijuana:
Myron Armstrong (“BG”), 49 – Memphis, TN
Chad Hendricks, 34 – Milburn, OK
Ping Huang (“Jason”), 44 – People’s Republic of China
Carlos Atkins (“Papa Smurf”, “Lo”), 52 – Memphis, TN
Kevin Brandon (“Bam”), 40 – Millington, TN
Brandon Burkett, 41 – Magnolia, TX
Ricio Conner, 50 – Jackson, TN
Willie Love (“June Bug”), 51 – Memphis, TN
Prenston Moore (“Twin”), 44 – Memphis, TN
Thomas Smith (“TC”), 47 – Memphis, TN
Cris Thetford, 44 – Durant, OK
Raevyn Tuggle, 28 – Memphis, TN
Terrance Wash (“Car Wash”, “Rick Ross”), 45 – Memphis, TN
Anthony Williams (“Ant”), 41 – Allen, TX
One individual remains at large as federal agents continue to track outstanding leads.
Authorities Warn More Arrests and Charges Could Follow
Attorney Dunavant indicated that the case remains active. Federal prosecutors expect that additional charges may be added and that more individuals could be taken into custody as investigators work to dismantle any remaining components of the trafficking network.
Why Drug Trafficking Investigations Like This Matter for Public Safety
Cases of this scope highlight the complex networks involved in illegal drug distribution and the danger they pose to communities. Large operations often rely on weapons, money laundering systems, and interstate collaboration—factors that increase risks for violence, addiction, and criminal activity.
Communities across the affected states have seen increased attention from law enforcement as crackdowns on organized trafficking groups continue to be a federal priority.
If you have insights or experiences related to community safety or drug-related activity in your area, share your thoughts in the comments below.
