“Operation Dark Crystal” Nets Dozens of Indictments and Arrests

HUNTINGDON, Tenn. – An undercover operation spanning 15 months into the sale of illicit drugs throughout Carroll County has resulted in the indictment and arrest of dozens of individuals. The Tennessee Bureau of Investigation (TBI) said today that during an extensive roundup involving numerous local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies, various drugs, vehicles, explosive devices, and more than $30,000 in cash were seized, and a search warrant was secured.

“Operation Dark Crystal,” led by special agents with the Drug Investigation Division of the TBI, Huntingdon Police Department, McKenzie Police Department, and 24th Judicial Drug Task Force began in Sept. 2021. During the investigation, authorities conducted multiple controlled purchases, surveillance, and research.

The Carroll County Grand Jury returned indictments on Jan. 3, charging 61 people in connection to the ongoing investigation.

Along with TBI, the participating agencies include Huntingdon Police Department, McKenzie Police Department, 24th Judicial Drug Task Force, Carroll County Sheriff’s Office, Tennessee Highway Patrol, Drug Enforcement Administration, Henderson County Sheriff’s Office, Bruceton Police Department, Homeland Security Investigations, 27th Judicial Drug Task Force, Big Sandy Police Department, Lexington Police Department, Bolivar Police Department, and the Tennessee Department of Corrections.

47 individuals had been taken into custody at this time, 46 of whom were charged as a result of the indictments. Each individual was booked into the Carroll County Jail on bonds ranging from $50,000 and $2 million.