Large Drug and Weapon Bust in Memphis

In the heart of Memphis, police executed a sizable drug and weapon seizure that has stirred quite a bit of attention. On Monday, the Memphis Police Department (MPD) went into two homes in a neighborhood located in Southwest Memphis, and what they found was startling—21 firearms, illegal machine gun conversion devices, and various kinds of drugs were all discovered.

This operation unfolded on Skylark Drive and Fieldlark Drive after the police received a tip through the Mayor’s Action Complaint system. The MPD’s Multi-Agency Gang Unit teamed up with the Fugitive Unit and the ATF Strike Force to carry out the search warrants at the two properties. Residents had raised concerns about some shady activities happening in the area, and by all accounts, the police answered that call.

A Closer Look at the Seizure

As investigators searched the first home on Skylark Drive, they came across two pistols, a rifle, marijuana, a variety of drug paraphernalia, and ammunition. During this search, they arrested Keithland Scott, a 47-year-old man who already had a warrant for aggravated assault and reckless endangerment. Scott didn’t just face those charges—he also found himself in hot water for being a convicted felon in possession of a firearm and for other drug-related charges.

The second home on Fieldlark Drive revealed an even more extensive haul. Investigators stumbled upon four machine gun conversion devices, alongside a staggering 12 pistols and six long guns. But that wasn’t all—marijuana, THC gummies, a host of prescription drugs, cash, cell phones, a money counter, and a variety of magazines and ammunition were also found. To make matters worse for the suspects, three of the firearms were reported stolen, and six had conversion switches attached—allowing them to fire at rapid speed.

The Arrests

Following the discoveries made at Fieldlark, police apprehended three individuals. Among them was Cridarious Anderson, a 29-year-old man who now faces a total of 18 counts of possession of a firearm in relation to a dangerous felony, along with six counts for possessing those machine guns, and three counts of stealing firearms. His brother, Jaqavious Anderson, 26, faces similar charges, with 18 counts for being a convicted felon in possession of firearms, six related to machine guns, and the same three counts for theft.

Another suspect, 22-year-old Diamond Porter, was arrested on a separate warrant for domestic assault, but she wasn’t getting off easy either. She has been charged with six counts of possessing a machine gun and three counts of stealing firearms.

As part of the bail agreements, Scott has been released on his own recognizance, while Jaqavious Anderson’s bail is set at a hefty $500,000, Cridarious Anderson’s bail stands at $100,000, and Porter’s at $44,000.

Community Involvement

This bust has highlighted the important role that community tips play in tackling crime. Memphis police are emphasizing just how critical it is for residents to report suspicious activities in their neighborhoods. According to them, cooperation and communication can lead to beneficial actions like these arrests, ultimately keeping Memphis safer.

In the ongoing struggle against gun violence and drug-related crime, operations like this serve as a reminder that law enforcement is vigilant and responsive. By acting on community concerns and with the collaboration of various units, the police have taken a significant step in addressing these issues.

This event is part of a larger narrative within Memphis, where the fight against crime continuously affects many lives. As police work through the consequences of this operation, it remains a hopeful sign that community vigilance paired with law enforcement efforts can indeed lead to changes.

For now, the city watches and waits to see how these cases unfold in court. Many hope that’s not the last time they hear about such proactive measures against crime on their streets.