CLARKSVILLE, TN (CLARKSVILLE NOW) – A man and woman have been arrested on multiple drug charges after three incidents with police in just over a month, including a traffic violation where the woman tried to eat two baggies of heroin.

On March 18, Edwards Norman, 33, and Michelle Perigo, 28, were arrested in connection with the incidents in November and December.

Traffic stop leads to drug arrest

On Nov. 21, just after 11 p.m., police pulled over a car on Rudolphtown Road after the driver failed to stop before the white line at a red light and flicked out a cigarette.

According to the affidavit, police saw the female driver (who is unnamed) and her passenger, Perigo. The driver consented to a search of her vehicle, and the officer located a brown paper bag containing a glass pipe, 1.5 grams of fentanyl, an unknown brown powder and burned foil. Additionally, a little over 14 grams of marijuana was discovered in the vehicle.

Perigo told police the brown powder was some form of “cut,” which is slang for mixing one controlled substance with another to increase volume or value for resale, according to the warrant. When Perigo was searched, officer located “two wet baggies,” and, according to the warrant, Perigo admitted to trying to eat the baggies of heroin out of fear of prosecution.

Boyfriend arrested in search warrant

The next day, on Nov. 22, police executed a search warrant at Perigo’s home on Magnolia Square, which she shared with her boyfriend, Norman.

When police entered, they found Norman inside. Officers found approximately 11 grams of fentanyl, and about 27 grams of marijuana. Digital scales and other paraphernalia were also found, as well as a pistol with an extended magazine. Both Norman and Perigo have past felony convictions that prohibit them from possessing firearms, the affidavit said.

Suspected burglary turned drug bust

A little over a month later, on Dec. 27, police responded to an anonymous vehicle burglary call on Chapel Street. The caller described the vehicle and occupants.

A K-9 officer made contact with a vehicle matching the description and found Norman in the front passenger seat and Perigo standing beside the vehicle. Police discovered that Perigo had an active warrant on a narcotics offense.

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The officer watched as Perigo got in the passenger seat and moved items around, and in plain view, observed a roll of aluminum foil and separate pieces torn from the roll. The officer searched Perigo and found a cut straw and more foil on her person.

Police Service Dog Drako conducted a public odor examination of the vehicle and indicated to the presence of a narcotic. A search of the vehicle revealed more suspected fentanyl and paraphernalia, the affidavit said.

During searches of Norman, officers located a plastic bag containing more than 1.5 grams of fentanyl, a foil piece containing fentanyl, a little over half a gram of cocaine in a folded paper, about half a gram of methamphetamine, a digital scale, cash and a cut straw.

Charges filed

Norman and Perigo face the following shared charges:

  • 2 counts of manufacture, delivery, sale or possession of a Schedule II controlled substance.
  • 1 count of possession of a firearm in the commission of a dangerous felony
  • 1 count of convicted felon going armed
  • 2 counts of unlawful drug paraphernalia
  • 1 counts of simple possession/casual exchange

In addition to the shared charges, Norman is facing an additional count of simple possession and resale of meth and another count of manufacture, delivery, sale or possession of a Schedule II controlled substance.

Perigo is facing additional charges from the traffic stop including:

  • 1 count of tampering with evidence
  • 1 count of manufacture, delivery, sale or possession of a Schedule II controlled substance
  • 1 count of simple possession/casual exchange
  • 1 counts of unlawful drug paraphernalia

Clarification: In the traffic stop, the driver failed to stop before the white line, according to the warrant.

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