NASHVILLE, TN – Federal authorities announced Tuesday that a months-long investigation has dismantled an MS-13 cell operating in the Nashville area, leading to at least 17 arrests across three states.
The U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), working with multiple federal, state, and local partners, carried out a series of court-authorized raids early this morning. Suspects were taken into custody in Tennessee, California, and Oklahoma.
In addition to the arrests, agents seized large amounts of marijuana, counterfeit pills, cocaine, THC vapes, liquid psilocybin, and several firearms, including assault rifles.
“These arrests represent a critical milestone in DEA’s mission to dismantle drug trafficking organizations operating in the United States and around the globe,” said DEA Administrator Terrance Cole. “MS-13 has left a trail of violence and devastation across communities nationwide. The residents of Nashville are safer today now that these dangerous individuals will be held accountable.”
The enforcement action follows a nine-month investigation coordinated through DEA’s Louisville Field Division, with assistance from the FBI, ATF, U.S. Marshals Service, ICE, Tennessee Highway Patrol, and multiple local task forces.
Officials emphasized that the crackdown on MS-13 is part of a broader national strategy to target transnational criminal organizations and prevent further expansion of their violent network.
MS-13, founded in Los Angeles during the 1980s, has grown into a violent international gang with ties to Central America and a presence across the United States. The group is known for its involvement in drug trafficking, extortion, human trafficking, and violent crimes including assault and murder.
Authorities encourage the public to report tips about MS-13 or other criminal organizations anonymously through the DEA’s online tip line at DEA.gov.
