Illegal alien living in Kingsport faces drug charges; drugs, cars, cash seized
By Staff Report
Published June 9th, 2009 | 7 Comments



KINGSPORT - The Sullivan County Sheriff's Office has arrested a man and seized drugs, cars and a large amount of cash from a Kingsport residence.

SCSO vice detectives went to 413 Mullins St., just after midnight in order to seize a car after an investigation that began in March when the SCSO started conducting several drug buys in response to information about alleged drug activity there, according to SCSO Chief Deputy Lisa Christian.

When they arrived, a strong marijuana smell coming from the residence prompted them to ask for permission to search it.

When the occupants refused, vice officers returned with a search warrant.

Officers found four grams of cocaine, 1.4-oz. of marijuana, drug paraphernalia and $10,787 in cash. The drugs and cash were seized along with a 2000 Chevrolet Malibu, 1998 Pontiac Grand Am, two flat screen TVs and several large tires and two rims.

It's believed the man arrested, who identified himself as Miguel Sosa Martinez, 26, was here to distribute the drugs, Christian said. He is charged with possession of schedule II and schedule VI drugs for resale, maintaining a dwelling where narcotics are used, stored or sold, and possession of drug paraphernalia.

According to SCSO vice detectives, Martinez is believed to have been staying in the United States for the past two to three years, at least half of that in Kingsport, and the past four months or so at the Mullins St. residence.

The SCSO contacted immigration officials after Martinez admitted being an illegal alien from Mexico. He is expected to be deported after answering the charges here.

Additional charges are pending against other people targed in this ongoing investigation

There are more illegal aliens involved in drugs in this area than people realize, Christian concluded, adding that she believes it's on the rise.

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