Nashville, Tenn. – A traffic stop in southeast Nashville led to the seizure of more than 13 pounds of cocaine and multiple felony drug charges Wednesday night.
According to the Metropolitan Nashville Police Department, Specialized Investigations Division narcotics detectives began the case after stopping a Chevrolet Silverado that allegedly ran a red light at Murfreesboro Pike and Bell Road.
Police said the driver, Alexander Franklin Rodriguez, 33, consented to a search of the truck. Detectives reportedly found one kilogram of cocaine in the center console, along with a pistol and a money counter.
The investigation then moved to a residence on Forge Ridge Circle where Rodriguez had been staying. As detectives arrived, two men were seen allegedly carrying bundles from the home and placing them into a Ford Taurus. A police K-9 alerted to the vehicle.
Inside the Taurus, officers reported finding 12 pounds of cocaine, nearly one pound of methamphetamine, one pound of fentanyl, four pounds of marijuana, three guns and cash.
Rodriguez is charged with possession of cocaine for resale, gun possession during the commission of a dangerous felony, and evading arrest. His bond is set at $105,000.
Jose Araujo-Rivas, 32, and Jose Gachuz-Zamora, 35, face charges including possession of cocaine, fentanyl, methamphetamine and marijuana for resale, gun possession during the commission of a dangerous felony, and possession of drug paraphernalia. Their bonds are set at $265,000 and $267,000, respectively.
The investigation involved MNPD’s Southeast Precinct, LaVergne Police, the DEA and the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation. The case may impact southeast Nashville commuters near Murfreesboro Pike.
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