A Bartlett man faces federal drug trafficking charges and one Bartlett business was closed following what is being called the largest nationwide bust of synthetic drug traffickers. 
Umar Yusuf, also known as Umar Hussein, 34, of Bartlett, was indicted by a federal grand jury Wednesday with one count of conspiracy to possess and distribute synthetic drugs. If convicted, he could spend up to 20 years in prison and face fines of up to $1 million.
Yusuf was one of 40 people in western Tennessee who were arrested as part of a joint effort from the U.S. Department of Justice and several law agencies, including the Shelby County Sheriff’s Office and the Bartlett Police Department, to crack down on synthetic drugs. The drugs specifically targeted were synthetic marijuana, which is more commonly known as “K2” or “spice.” The justice department sent a release to media outlets late Tuesday with the names of people and businesses that had been arrested, searched and/or closed.
In Bartlett, one business was closed while another was searched. Friendly Quick Stop, 5510 Stage Road, was closed and faces court proceedings. Tobacco Etc., 6600 Stage Road, was searched but remains open.
Officials have said that millions of dollars in cash, bank accounts, drug paraphernalia and weapons were seized during the operation.
