Police Shut Down Large Drug Ring And Cock-Fighting Outfit

Posted: Jan 1, 2009 09:44 AM

NASHVILLE, Tenn. - Federal authorities have shut down a massive cock-fighting outfit in Tennessee, and those involved also were part of a Mexican drug trafficking cartel.

The bust could have a major impact on the midstate for two reasons. Not only did the crackdown suffocate the marijuana trade in Tennessee, the crackdown could also shed new light on animal fighting and its relationship with other serious crime.

"They're routinely trained to fight. Then they strap razor blades on them (roosters) and throw them in a pit to fight to the death and gamble on the outcome," said Leighann McCollum with the Humane Society Spokesperson.

Cock fighting is a vicious and illegal bloodsport, and it turns out Tennessee is a hotspot for it.

While targeting a Mexican drug cartel in December, DEA officials discovered that drug traffickers were also running a massive cock fighting arena in Cumberland County, Tenn.

"We found a number of chickens used in cockfighting, a large and extensive operation," said Harry Sommers with U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration.

Authorities confiscated weapons, hundreds of pounds of marijuana and evidence the suspects not only participated in cock fighting - they also gloated about it. According to Sommers, officials found razors that were attached to the birds and trophies symbolizing victories in cock-fighting.

"It's a very major part of the drug trade in Tennessee," McCollum said.

The Humane Society of the United States said unfortunately the recent bust isn't surprising.

"I think this case brought by the DA will show people the link between drug trafficking and animal fighting as well," McCollum said.

While most forms of animal fighting is a felony in Tennessee, cockfighting is not.

"Because of our weak misdemeanor laws on cockfighting, we've become a magnet for these people to move to Tennessee."

"Really it was a beginning to end root and stem disassembling of this organization," Sommers said.

The hope is that December's bust will serve two purposes: cut down on the state's drug trade and expose its ties to the brutal sport of cockfighting.

"The impact will be felt all over Tennessee certainly," Sommers said.

Those arrested in the bust now face an assortment of criminal charges ranging from felony drug distribution to conducting illegal gambling businesses. Thirty other people from other states were also arrested in the round up.

Animal advocates have been currently fighting for new legislation that would make cockfighting a felony in Tennessee.

The Humane Society of the United States said they were offering a $5,000 reward for any tip that leads to an animal fighting arrest.