Drug Bust in Cocke County Sunday Night

A drug bust happened in Cocke County late Sunday night. Deputy Joshua Malone was assisting two Newport officers in returning two runaway juveniles back to a home on Shag Road. Upon arrival at that address, officers saw a red Ford SUV parked outside with a male subject standing inside the driver door. Upon seeing officers that male subject later identified as John Player took off running behind the house. Officers apprehended him hiding in some tall weeds. In the passenger side of that vehicle was April Toby…she had an active warrant for probation violation.

The Ford SUV had been reported stolen out of Knox County..in that vehicle was a Crown Royal bag containing 5.3 ounces of suspected methamphetamine…3 grams of suspected fentanyl…several unused small baggies commonly used in the sale of illegal narcotics and cash. Between what was in the Crown Royal bag and on Player’s person..it added up to nearly $1500. Both Player & Boyd were arrested and have been charged with numerous charges including unlawful sale, manufacture, or possession of illegal drugs.. Player has also been charged with theft over $1,000 concerning the Ford SUV.