MURFREESBORO, Tenn. (WTVF) — On Wednesday, Judge Aleta A. Trauger denied three separate motions to dismiss a lawsuit connected to a botched drug raid.

"Operation Candy Crush" was carried out in February of 2018 in Rutherford County. Law enforcement raided 23 stores and confiscated candy products they believed contained illegal drugs.

Defendants Rutherford County Sheriff Mike Fitzhugh, District Attorney General Jennings Jones and Assistant District John Zimmerman requested that the court dismiss the allegations against them on the grounds that the plaintiff's failed to state a claim.

A group of small business owners are the plaintiffs in this lawsuit and believe members of law enforcement were motivated by conspiracy.

The raid resulted in about a dozen arrests, but the charges were dropped when it was discovered the products contained CBD, which is legal in Tennessee and nationwide.

The defendants will have another opportunity to file a motion to dismiss the lawsuit after the discovery process.