Major Drug Bust in DeKalb County
On June 26, the DEA conducted a raid in DeKalb County, resulting in the seizure of over 22,000 counterfeit Oxycodone pills believed to contain deadly fentanyl. The raid took place around the intersection of Claremont Road and Dresden Drive.
Potential Lives Saved
DEA Atlanta Field Division Deputy Special Agent in Charge J. Chong highlighted the danger of these pills, noting that seven out of ten fake pills with fentanyl tested at the DEA lab contained enough fentanyl to be lethal. The lab will determine the exact amount of fentanyl in the seized pills, but agents expect a high level of the substance.
Ongoing Investigation
The seizure was part of an investigation into a polydrug transnational organization allegedly led by Young Yovani Rodriguez. Along with Rodriguez, four other individuals were arrested, two of whom were armed. The DEA suspects these pills were manufactured in Mexico.
Personal Tragedy and Public Awareness
Michael Kelly, whose son Jack died from a fentanyl overdose after taking a counterfeit Xanax pill, emphasized the indiscriminate nature of fentanyl overdoses, affecting individuals across all demographics. Kelly and his family have since dedicated themselves to raising awareness about the dangers of counterfeit pills.
The Perils of Fentanyl
Fentanyl is pervasive on Georgia streets, often laced in fake Xanax, Adderall, and Hydrocodone pills, as well as meth and cocaine. Chong urged families to discuss the dangers of fentanyl and counterfeit pills, emphasizing the importance of early education to prevent misinformation.
Legal Proceedings and State Response
Rodriguez faces state charges, including drug trafficking, and is currently incarcerated in DeKalb County Jail. Efforts to contact Rodriguez’s legal representation were unsuccessful. The DEA used photos in their report from the raid.
Rising Fentanyl Deaths and New Legislation
The Georgia Department of Public Health reported a 38% increase in fentanyl overdose deaths between 2019 and 2022. In response, a new state law authorizing the use of naloxone in schools took effect, aiming to save lives by rapidly reversing suspected opioid overdoses.
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