‘We’re not going to tolerate it’: TBI works to indict those contributing to drug-related deaths

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WKRN) — There has been a shift in the opioid epidemic.

While the number of overdoses happening within the state remains high , law enforcement agencies like the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation (TBI) are making exerted efforts to arrest dealers who are contributing to drug-related deaths. It’s not as easy as it sounds.

“They know what they’re selling. They absolutely do. They do it for the money and they don’t care about their customers at all,” explained Darryl Richardson, assistant director of the TBI’s drug investigation division.

Richardson said that he sees the reality of Tennessee’s drug crisis first-hand. It’s a constant battle to shut down dealers who are contributing to the overdose epidemic and it has become a priority over the past several years.

“There’s 3,700 deaths annually in Tennessee [over] the last three years, roughly” Richardson said. “It’s very important that we send the message that we’re not going to tolerate it.”

Last year, the TBI announced indictments for 15 people charged in connection with overdose deaths. That’s just the number that the agency publicized through press releases.

In those cases, the majority of the deaths were linked to fentanyl , though frequently the deadly drug is nixed with meth or cocaine.

“It’s an uphill challenge because obtaining a second-degree homicide conviction is not easy because it’s hard to necessarily prove the intent that the individual meant to kill that person,” Richardson said. “We have had some success in it, and we’re going to keep pushing.”

While investigators are tracking down those responsible, Richardson admitted that bringing them to justice isn’t always easy. Nevertheless, he added that it’s necessary to try.

“Sometimes you’re like, ‘Well the person bought the drugs themselves, they knew what they were getting into’ or ‘He didn’t mean to kill him, he just sold him the drugs,’ so it’s important to educate citizens on why we do what we do and why these persons are being charged with second-degree homicide,” said Richardson. “We’re on the job, and we’re trying to keep you safe and we’re trying to keep these people, keep these drugs off the street. But also hopefully it sends the message to those who are trafficking these drugs that we’re not going to relent and just let you get away with this. We’re going to pursue you and hopefully incarcerate you for distributing these drugs.”

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According to the TBI, 80 percent of crimes in the state are in some way related to drugs, making combating drug use critical.

So far this year, the Metro Health Department has tracked 92 suspected drug overdose deaths. Meanwhile, the TBI plans on continuing to assist local agencies in working with District Attorneys to bring justice to families after losing a loved one.

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