Memphis Safe Task Force Reaches Another Milestone with More than 1,500 Narcotics Arrests

MEMPHIS - The Memphis Safe Task Force (MSTF) has reached another milestone with narcotics arrests. Out of over 13,800 cumulative arrests, more than 1,500 specific arrests have been for illegal narcotics like fentanyl and other controlled substance violations.

U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration special agents assigned to the MSTF, working alongside the Memphis Police Department Organized Crime Unit and the West Tennessee Drug Task Force, have repeatedly seized fentanyl, as well as illegal firearms and cash.

“The Memphis Safe Task Force is an unprecedented multi-agency effort that has resulted in significant violent crime reduction by disrupting the drivers of crime,” said U.S. Marshals Service Director Gadyaces S. Serralta. “Seizing such a substantial quantity of fentanyl and other dangerous drugs, as well as arresting the individuals who peddle those drugs sends a clear message that we are all united in our mission to make Memphis safe from the scourge of illicit narcotics.”

The Memphis Safe Task Force proves what’s possible when we stand united: families are safer, neighborhoods are protected, and criminals face justice,” said DEA Administrator Terrance Cole. “We know drug crime drives violent crime, and we're breaking that cycle one arrest at a time. Memphis is safer today thanks to this unprecedented interagency effort."

“Homeland Security Investigations is proud to stand alongside our federal, state and local partners in the Memphis Safe Task Force to combat the illicit drug trade and the violence it fuels,” said HSI Acting Executive Associate Director John A. Condon. “Fentanyl and other dangerous narcotics devastate families and communities, while the criminal networks that distribute them often profit from firearms trafficking, money laundering and other serious crimes. HSI will continue using our unique investigative authorities and global reach to identify, disrupt and dismantle the organizations responsible for bringing these deadly drugs into our communities and threatening the safety of Memphis residents.”

Bryant Presley, 36, was arrested during a traffic stop Sunday at the Florida and Parkway intersection on outstanding warrants for possession, tampering with evidence, theft of property valued between $1,000-$10,000, burglary of a motor vehicle and possession of marijuana (weighing 8.5 grams) with intent to distribute. He was taken into custody without incident and MPD transported him to jail.

Also arrested on Sunday was Marrico McMickens, 26, stopped for reckless driving on DuPont Avenue. A probable cause search led to the discovery of controlled substances and drug paraphernalia. McMickens was taken into custody without incident and MPD transported him to jail.

Since the launch of the Memphis Safe Task Force, law enforcement has made 13,876 arrests, including 147 for homicide, 1,372 for firearms violations, and 126 for sex offenses. Of those arrested, 448 were juveniles and 1,561 were known gang members. The task force has seized 2,329 illegal firearms. These enforcement actions reflect a sustained commitment to reducing violent crime and removing dangerous weapons from Memphis neighborhoods.

MSTF is one of the largest, most aggressive law enforcement collaborations ever assembled to confront crime in America -- federal, state, and local law enforcement standing shoulder to shoulder, refusing to accept violence as the status quo in Memphis.

The MSTF is a multi-agency initiative established via a Presidential Memorandum signed by President Donald Trump on Sept. 15, 2025. Aimed at addressing violent street crime, the task force coordinates federal, state, and local law enforcement and includes mobilized members of the Tennessee National Guard. The MSTF is focused on arresting violent criminals, clearing warrants, seizing firearms, and locating missing children. Since the operation began, the MSTF has located 198 missing children.

This operation reflects the MSTF’s commitment to coordinated enforcement efforts and its mission to identify, apprehend, and hold accountable those who pose a threat to public safety.