Interstate Crime Enforcement Unit officers from Rutherford County Sheriff's Officer earned the "Interdiction Unit of the Year" Thursday from the Tennessee Narcotics Officers Association.
The award was given in recognition for ICE's outstanding service and dedication to criminal interdiction in the state.
Deputy Travis Perusse earned another award for the largest marijuana seizure after he confiscated 85 pounds of high grade marijuana during a traffic stop in June. The team also earned an award for a methamphetamine seizure.
Sheriff Robert Arnold said he was proud of the ICE team's efforts. The awards show the excellent job they do every day.
"Over the years, the ICE Unit officers have prevented thousands of pounds of assorted drugs from coming back not only to our community but other communities as well," Sheriff Arnold said.
The team has earned several national awards.
The National Criminal Enforcement Association presented the ICE Unit with an award in 2003 for their achievements. The Unit received an award from the Department of Justice in 2005 for excellence in law enforcement.
Other national awards include:
- Lt. Chris Haynes for the largest marijuana seizure in 2004.
- Sgt. Shawn Applegate for the highest highway prescription seizure in 2008 and a seizure/arrest one month in 2008.
- Sgt. Lee Young for the largest crack cocaine seizure in 2005.
- Former Deputy Travis Robinson for the largest seizure for highway methamphetamine and a seizure and arrest in 2008.
