Two Charged Following Seizure of Over 1,000 Fentanyl Pills in Greenwood
Greenwood, SC- In a major crackdown on illicit substances, Greenwood Police Department has arrested two individuals following a series of searches around the city. The duo was detained after the police seized over 1,083 fentanyl pills, potent opioids that have contributed significantly to the ongoing drug crisis in the country.
Details of the Operations
The operations were conducted on June 29, as officers served multiple search warrants at locations along South University Street, Independence Way, Birchtree Drive, and Montgomery Street. The searches resulted in the confiscation of 1,083 Fentanyl pills, three firearms, a kilogram of pill binder, methamphetamine, and 4400 dollars in cash.
The scale of the operation and the amount of contraband substances recovered underscore the worrying depth of the drug problem affecting Greenwood and other locations across the country.
Arrests and Charges
Following the searches, two suspects, namely Demario Crawford and Lafayette Crawford, were taken into custody. The charges on the suspects are severe, reflecting the gravity of the offenses they committed.
Demario has been charged with Trafficking Fentanyl, Possession of a Weapon During Violent Crime, and Felon in Possession of a Firearm. The second suspect, Lafayette, has been charged with Trafficking Fentanyl, Possession with Intent to Distribute Meth, Possession of a Weapon During Violent Crime, and Felon in Possession of a Firearm.
The Impact of Fentanyl on the Opioid Crisis
The discovery of such a large quantity of Fentanyl is particularly concerning, given the role this powerful opioid has been playing in the ongoing drug crisis in the nation. Fentanyl, which is 50 to 100 times more potent than morphine, has been associated with a rising number of overdose deaths in recent years.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), synthetic opioids like Fentanyl are now the most common drugs involved in overdose deaths in the United States. In 2017, nearly 60% of opioid-related deaths involved Fentanyl compared to 14% in 2010.
Conclusion
The successful seizure in Greenwood is a major step in combatting the spread of illicit substances in the region. It is a testament to the diligent work of Greenwood Police Department in ensuring the safety and wellbeing of the community, which continues to be a high priority.
This multi-faceted operation demonstrates the force’s commitment to tackling unlawful behavior and underlines the importance of collaboration and coordination in executing these large-scale operations.
In the future, continued vigilance and the implementation of comprehensive strategies will be necessary to counter the spread of illegal substances like Fentanyl, thus protecting the community from the destructive effects of this ongoing crisis.
