Search warrant leads to drug bust, arrest of alleged MS-13 gang member in TN

GALLATIN, Tenn. (WSMV) - An early morning search warrant led to a drug bust and the arrest of an alleged MS-13 gang member, according to the Gallatin Police Department.

GPD and the Sumner County Emergency Response Team executed a search warrant at around 6 a.m. at the home of alleged MS-13 gang member Denzel Santana.

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In the search of the home, police found:

• 5 pounds of marijuana
• Half a pound of mushrooms
• 260 THC vapes
• 74 oxycodone pills
• Two semi-automatic firearms, including an AR-15 pistol
• $10,778 in cash

Police also seized an artwork containing devil and clown symbolism and prominently displays the MS-13 name and imagery alongside a masked man holding an assault weapon.

“This was an organized drug organization that was run through MS-13,” said GPD Capt. Lamar Ballard.

Santana has been charged with multiple gun and drug-related offenses. He is being jailed on a $750,000 bond.

GPD said Santana’s father, Jaime “Smiley” Santana, of Gallatin, was previously identified as the highest-ranking non-incarcerated member of MS-13 in the United States.

However, Jaime is now in federal prison on racketeering conspiracy, conspiracy to distribute and possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine and cocaine. He has been serving for more than nine years for those charges.

The investigation into this case is active and ongoing.