Two men are facing drug charges after they allegedly tried to return a stolen vehicle to a car rental company at a Tennessee airport. One of the defendants had multiple outstanding arrest warrants.
According to an affidavit, the Metropolitan Nashville Police Department learned about the defendants when it was contacted by employees from the Thrifty Car Rental branch at the Nashville International Airport. Apparently, the pair had returned a stolen car and taken another vehicle out in its place. Officers executed a traffic stop on the vehicle and found the two defendants inside. The passenger had diazepam pills and 4 grams of suspected methamphetamine in his possession. He also had several outstanding warrants for his arrest in Kentucky. Officers asked the driver for permission to search the vehicle, but he allegedly declined. A K9 officer was brought to the scene, and the dog signaled the presence of drugs. Police then searched the vehicle and allegedly uncovered 21 grams of methamphetamine, 30 small baggies, six needles, a glass pipe and burglary tools.
The passenger has been charged with unlawful possession of a controlled substance, possession of methamphetamine and being a fugitive from justice. The driver has been charged with possession of methamphetamine with the intent to sell, possession of drug paraphernalia and possession of burglary tools.
Individuals charged with drug possession with intent to distribute can face harsh consequences, including long prison terms, steep fines and a permanent criminal record. However, a defendant could obtain a better outcome by working with a criminal defense attorney. An attorney could protect a defendant’s rights and develop a strategy to undermine the prosecution’s case.
Source: Nashville Patch, “Police Make Drug Bust After Stolen Car Returned To Rental Agency” J.R. Lind, July 2, 2018
