Written By Tyler Abram

Joint Drug Investigation Closes Whitehaven Drug Trafficking Organization

Shelby County, Tenn. – A significant milestone in the fight against drug trafficking was achieved as a joint undercover investigation dismantled a major drug trafficking organization operating in Whitehaven. The collaborative effort involved the West Tennessee Violent Crime and Drug Task Force’s 30th District V.C.I.F. unit and the DEA Memphis Resident Office. This operation targeted the distribution of fentanyl and cocaine, culminating in the simultaneous execution of two search warrants.

Details of the Operation

The investigation began in February 2025, focusing on high-crime areas within Memphis, particularly the 38109 zip code. Agents conducted multiple undercover purchases of fentanyl and cocaine from two locations: an apartment on Ila Court and a home on Barton Street in Whitehaven. These efforts led to the culmination of the investigation with search warrants served on March 31, 2025.

During the searches, agents seized:

• Approximately 3 ounces of fentanyl
• 1,250 pressed counterfeit pills resembling alprazolam (Xanax) bars, containing cocaine and methamphetamine
• 2 ounces of cocaine
• 1.5 ounces of methamphetamine
• 6 weapons (4 handguns and 2 AR-style rifles)
• A kilo press with dyes used to compress powder into brick kilos
• 2 pounds of marijuana
• Empty drug kilo wrappers
• Ammunition
• $6,635 in cash
• An Audi A6 vehicle

Arrests and Charges

Three Memphis men were arrested in connection with this drug trafficking organization:

1. Euriqueo Holloway, age 48
2. Preston Hill, age 27
3. Nicholas Parker, age 23

The suspects face numerous felony charges related to drugs and weapons.

Statements from Officials

District Attorney Steve Mulroy emphasized the importance of targeting high-level distributors while steering addicts toward treatment. “This is further evidence of the value of our VCIF grant initiative targeting the highest crime Memphis zip codes,” Mulroy stated. “We’re going hard against big-time distributors while supporting those who need treatment.”

Drug Task Force Director Johnie Carter commended the agents involved, stating, “I commend all of the Agents who are truly among Shelby County’s finest. We are targeting violent felons and repeat offenders who are selling this poison and driving up violent crime rates here in Memphis and across West Tennessee.”

The Role of the West Tennessee Violent Crime and Drug Task Force

The West Tennessee Violent Crime and Drug Task Force operates under an agreement between District Attorneys General Frederick Agee (28th District), Danny Goodman (29th District), and Steve Mulroy (30th District). The VCIF unit focuses on combating violent crime in Memphis’s most dangerous zip codes.

This operation is part of a broader effort by law enforcement agencies to combat drug-related crimes across Tennessee. The task force collaborates with local, state, and federal agencies to dismantle criminal organizations responsible for distributing dangerous substances like fentanyl—a leading cause of overdose deaths nationwide.

Broader Impacts

The success of this operation highlights the effectiveness of targeted enforcement initiatives like VCIF in reducing crime rates and improving public safety. By removing dangerous drugs, weapons, and criminal networks from communities, these efforts contribute to a safer environment for residents.

In recent years, Shelby County has seen record-breaking achievements by the West Tennessee Drug Task Force. From December 2023 to November 2024 alone, the task force seized over 2,600 pounds of drugs, confiscated more than 300 weapons, and made over 230 arrests. These accomplishments underscore the dedication of law enforcement agencies in addressing drug-related crime.

Conclusion

The dismantling of this Whitehaven drug trafficking organization marks another victory in Shelby County’s ongoing battle against illegal drugs and violent crime. Through collaboration among local law enforcement agencies and federal partners like the DEA, Memphis continues to make strides toward safer neighborhoods.