Tennesee chicken restaurant owner implicated in drug charges

Tennessee authorities say there was a lot more going on at a local chicken restaurant than cooking and selling chicken. In fact, an investigation that lasted more than a year has come to a close, but not without the indictments of 17 people who police claim were involved in a large drug operation. Drug charges and firearms charges have since been filed against those arrested in the investigation.

Police have not published the name of the specific chicken restaurant where they claim the owner laundered at least $30,000 into the business from illegal drug sale profits. Perhaps even more surprising is investigators' claims that a group of people working together in the supposed drug ring were delivering methamphetamine to local buyers by way of courier bicycle. Officials say several raids occurred -- one that led officers to a doghouse where approximately two pounds of meth were stored at the back of a local residence. 

A 31-year-old man is said to have been the acting leader in the drugs-by-bicycle operation. Charges against those indicted include possession of 300 grams of meth, as well as intent to sell and deliver illegal drugs within a school zone. Another charge has to do with possession of a firearm.  

Ages of the defendants range from 26 to 51. Each of them will have the opportunity to present a defense to try to avoid conviction. Like most Tennessee residents facing drug charges, most, if not all, of these defendants will likely rely on experienced criminal defense attorneys to represent them in court.