Tennessee State Trooper with West Tennessee Drug Task Force Arrests Man on Drug Charges in Haywood County
NASHVILLE –- A Tennessee State Trooper assigned to the West Tennessee Drug Task Force (WTDTF) arrested a man on drug charges in Haywood County on Wednesday morning.
Alberto Nava, 55, of Shelbyville, Ky., was taken into custody and charged with possession of a schedule II controlled substance with intent to manufacture, sale or distribute. He was transported to the Haywood County Jail.
WTDTF Trooper Todd Yelverton initiated a traffic stop on a Nissan Altima registered out of Kentucky on Interstate 40 eastbound at mile marker 46 for following too close at approximately 8:30 a.m. on Wednesday. The vehicle was only occupied by the driver, Mr. Nava, who exhibited nervous and suspicious behavior upon the trooper’s introduction. Mr. Nava produced his driver’s license, registration and proof of insurance and explained that he was traveling home from a trip to California.
Trooper Yelverton proceeded to run a validation check on the driver, while WTDTF Special Agent in Charge Frank Bell arrived on the scene to assist. The investigating trooper was then prompted to request consent to search the vehicle after continuous questionable behavior from the driver. Mr. Nava stated that there were no illegal items in the vehicle and agreed to a search of the car.
Trooper Yelverton searched the vehicle and found a five gallon bucket of white paint in the trunk. He opened the lid to examine the contents of the bucket and noticed a gray color floating on top. Further investigation revealed the floating matter was a large ball of duct tape that was later revealed as 1.2 pounds of cocaine. The estimated street value of the cocaine is $15,000.
Mr. Nava was arrested and taken to the Haywood County Jail.
Booking photos may be obtained from the Haywood County Sheriff’s Office.
The Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security’s (www.TN.Gov/safety) mission is to serve, secure, and protect the people of Tennessee.
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