Tennessee

The farmland and metropolitan innovation that drives Tennessee’s economy also make it attractive to black-market criminals that fuel other devastating crimes across the state. For example, it is estimated that 800 methamphetamine labs operate throughout the state.

Tennessee serves as a key transportation hub for the American South, enabling criminals to transport contraband overland in tractor-trailers, private vehicles, and package delivery services. This increases the accessibility and volume of illicit substances, which helps explain why Tennessee ranked fifth in overdoses from semi-synthetic prescription pain medication in 2016 and was just one of three states with increased heroin overdose deaths in 2018. This is especially troubling because 80 percent of crimes in the state have a drug-related cause, according to the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation.

Many of the criminals who traffic in illegal drugs are the same criminals who traffic in other contraband like counterfeit goods, weapons, and even people. While crimes like smuggling and selling prescription medications or luxury designer goods are often viewed as petty or victimless crimes, they’re often linked to criminal and terror organizations.

While law enforcement agencies are doing everything they can, it’s too much for them to handle alone. This is why USA-IT is so proud to be working locally in Tennessee. Together, we can fight back against black- market profiteers and secure a safer, more prosperous Tennessee.

We are United to Safeguard Tennessee from Illegal Trade.

Working together to fight back

We’re building crucial relationships and sharing our collective, vast expertise with state and local agencies, law enforcement, the business community, and others. Stay tuned for more updates.