Hamilton County: Sheriff's deputies nab 15-pound drug shipment

Law enforcement, working with the U.S. Postal Service, intercepted a 15-pound shipment of marijuana bound for a Lee Highway address today.

Hamilton County Sheriff Office deputies and Collegedale police were involved in the so-called “controlled delivery” in which the package was received by Brett Rayburn, said Janice Atkinson, the sheriff’s spokeswoman.

Deputies stormed the home after the delivery, arresting Mr. Rayburn and seizing firearms, drug paraphernalia and a 1984 BMW, Ms. Atkinson said.

Mr. Rayburn, 25, has been charged with possession of marijuana for resale, Ms. Atkinson said.

The case could result in federal charges since Mr. Rayburn had the drugs shipped from California through the postal service.

Deputies will submit the case for review by the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Chattanooga, she said.