City of Nashville, TN
05/21/2022 | Press release | Archived content
Three Men Arrested in Undercover Operation Targeting Fentanyl-Related Drug Sales Downtown
An undercover narcotics operation by Specialized Investigations Division detectives in the downtown area Friday night led to the arrests of three men involved in the sale of cocaine laced with fentanyl.
Jailed on drug offenses are Khalil D. Smith, 26, Nesean Thompson, 22, and Michael E. Terry, 26. Smith was armed with a pistol at the time of his arrest and is also facing a felony gun charge. Smith was convicted of felony aggravated assault in 2020 and is prohibited by both state and federal law from possessing a gun.
During the operation Friday night, Terry made contact with undercover detectives near Hall of Fame Park and said he could get cocaine. He then made a telephone call to have cocaine delivered. A short time later, Smith and Thompson arrived. Smith sold three grams of a white powder to an undercover detective for $200. As officers moved in to make the arrests, Smith and Thompson tried to run away, but were quickly apprehended. Terry was taken into custody as he tried to walk away in a different direction.
From Smith, detectives recovered two bags of white powder weighing a total of eleven grams that tested positive for fentanyl, one bag of white rocks that tested positive for cocaine, 23 Xanax bars, and 21 grams of marijuana. The three grams of powder sold to the undercover detective also tested positive for fentanyl.
From Thompson, detectives recovered three bags of white powder weighing a total of seven grams that tested positive for fentanyl. Thompson was also served with six outstanding felony aggravated assault warrants related to an April 24 shooting case.
Smith is being held in lieu of $100,000 bond. Thompson's bond is set at $377,500. Terry's bond is set at $15,000.
The Specialized Investigations Division's continuing operation is in response to recent drug overdose cases in the downtown area.
Dangerous fentanyl has been found combined with street drugs including methamphetamine, heroin, cocaine and marijuana. A tiny amount of fentanyl can kill.
For those seeking treatment for drug addiction, the Community Overdose Response Team (CORT) can help. CORT is a free and confidential resource to help find drug and alcohol treatment for individuals who are at risk of an overdose. The service is offered free of charge regardless of health insurance status. The team works with an individual to determine the appropriate level of care (e.g., detox, residential, or outpatient treatment, etc.). To make a referral or learn more about this resource for our community, call CORT at 615-687-1701.