Raid in Smyrna.

From the Smyrna police department.

On December 10th, around 6 pm, the Smyrna Police Department Narcotics Division executed a search warrant at the Mi Pueblito restaurant at 409 Smyrna Square in Smyrna. The search warrant was the result of a several months long investigation into illegal narcotics sales from the restaurant.

The restaurant owner, Claudio Castellanos, was the prime suspect in the distribution of cocaine from the restaurant. Narcotics detectives located and seized 3.8 ounces in powder cocaine, over $4000.00 cash and a semi-automatic handgun from the restaurant. Much of the seized cocaine was already pre-packaged into 65 separate, plastic bags for resale/distribution.

The restaurant also was in violation of Tennessee liquor laws since it did not have a permit to sell liquor but did have liquor on the premises. This information was forwarded to the Alcohol Beverage Commission.

There were 3 other employees (2 adults and 1 juvenile) as well as 4 customers in the restaurant when the search warrant was executed. Mr. Castellanos was the only person charged at that time and all others were released once the search warrant was complete. The juvenile was released to parents.

A second search warrant was executed later in the evening upon Mr. Castellanos' home at 613 Zellwood Drive in LaVergne. Narcotics detectives from the Rutherford County Sheriff's Office assisted with this search warrant and more cocaine was located within the home.

Castellanos was charged with Felony Possession of Cocaine within 1000 feet of a School Zone, Unlawful Possession of Drug Paraphernalia and Operating a Business to Sell a Controlled Substance. Other charges against Castellanos are pending.

Rather interesting.