PUTNAM COUNTY, Tenn. (WKRN) — Authorities say two separate traffic stops that occurred just hours apart earlier this week in Putnam County led to arrests and the discovery of guns and drugs, including fentanyl.

According to the Putnam County Sheriff's Office, deputies were conducting traffic enforcement along Interstate 40 on Monday, Aug. 11.

Law enforcement reportedly stopped a Grey Toyota Tacoma for following too closely to another vehicle. Deputies said due to the driver's mannerisms, K9 Tuco was deployed and positively alerted on the vehicle.

A search of the vehicle led to the discovery of approximately six grams of fentanyl, seven grams of methamphetamine, $3,235 in cash and three firearms, officials said. The driver—identified as Ethan Howard—was charged with manufacture, delivery, sell of fentanyl; manufacture, delivery, sell of methamphetamine, and armed dangerous felonies. He was jailed on a $127,000 bond and is expected to appear in court on Sept. 17.

Shortly after Howard was stopped, deputies said they conducted another traffic stop — this time on a vehicle that failed to maintain its lane. Once again, K9 Tuco was deployed and positively alerted on the vehicle.

After searching the vehicle, law enforcement seized approximately three ounces of fentanyl, which were allegedly in three separate baggies. The driver—identified as Kristopher Sherrell— was arrested and charged with manufacture, delivery, sell of fentanyl. He was jailed on a $51,000 bond and is set to appear in court on Aug. 13.

"Every ounce we of fentanyl we take off the streets is a potential life saved. These two traffic stops show how important traffic enforcement on our interstates can be," said Putnam County Sheriff Eddie Farris. "My deputies quick actions and K9 Tuco's outstanding work stopped a lethal amount of narcotics from hitting our streets."

The sheriff's office said an investigation revealed that both men had traveled to Nashville to pick up the fentanyl and bring it for distribution in Putnam County.

No additional information was immediately released.

News Source : https://www.wkrn.com/news/local-news/fentanyl-guns-found-during-separate-traffic-stops-along-i-40-in-putnam-county/