50 pounds of fentanyl-laced pills seized at Nashville airport

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WKRN) — An Arizona man flew into Nashville last week with more than 50 pounds of fentanyl, according to the U.S. Attorney’s Office, Middle District of Tennessee.

Yusef Ibn Abdul Jabbar Hunter, 23, of Phoenix, arrived at Nashville International Airport (BNA) on Thursday, Sept. 5.

Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) agents in Nashville learned Hunter made his travel arrangements shortly before the flight and had checked luggage that may contain illegal drugs, according to a release.

Once the plane landed, a trained drug detection dog reportedly alerted on the Hunter’s luggage.

The Attorney’s Office reported Hunter consented to a search of his luggage and agents found hundreds of blue pills stamped with “M30” markings to make them look like prescription Oxycodone. A field test confirmed the pills contained of fentanyl.

In total, the pills reportedly weighed more than 50 pounds.

“This seizure is a testament to the continued vigilance of the DEA and local law enforcement and the great work they are doing every day to protect our communities,” said United States Attorney Henry Leventis in a release. “However, it is also a frightening reminder of the prevalence of counterfeit pills that can be laced with fentanyl or other dangerous drugs and of the need for people to purchase prescription drugs from licensed vendors to ensure their safety.”

Hunter was charged with possession of fentanyl with the intent to distribute. If convicted, Hunter faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years with the possibility of life in federal prison.

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