A federal grand jury unsealed indictments on 19 individuals from Laurel, Knox, Whitley, and Jefferson counties on Friday, March 29, 2019. The indictments stem from drug trafficking and firearm offenses from a nine-month investigation by the ATF. According to the indictments, the defendants engaged in a conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine in and around Laurel, Knox, and Whitley counties. The indictments further allege that defendants trafficked firearms, used firearms during their drug trafficking transactions, and illegally possessed firearms. The charged individuals are each awaiting their initial appearance in federal court.