Northwest Virginia Regional Drug and Gang Task Force seizes narcotics and firearms from suspects in fatal overdose

On March 31, members of the Northwest Virginia Regional Drug and Gang Task Force and the Frederick County Sheriff’s Office responded to an overdose emergency on Cedar Hill Road in Frederick County, VA.  Upon arrival, deputies located a 27 year old male suffering from an apparent overdose.  Deputies and EMS administered Narcan and performed life saving measures.  The victim later died at the scene.  Members of the Northwest Virginia Regional Drug and Gang Task Force began conducting an investigation, and two suspects were identified.  Task force officers obtained and executed a search warrant at the suspects residence located in Bluemont, VA in Clarke County.  During a search of the residence, approximately 28 grams of methamphetamine with a street value of $1,300.00, 34 fluid ounces of methadone with a street value of $300.00, 3 grams of heroin with a street value of $250.00, various prescription narcotics and pressed pills with a street value of $500.00, 6 semi-automatic pistols, and 3 rifles was seized.  Northwest Virginia Regional Drug and Gang Task Force officers have consulted with the Clarke County Commonwealth’s Attorney and charges against the suspects are forthcoming.

Since March 18, the Northwest Virginia Regional Drug and Gang Task Force has reported a spike in overdoses.  During this two week period, four fatal overdoses and twenty-one non-fatal overdoses have occurred.  This ongoing spike in overdoses is likely the result of as combination of federal stimulus money received after March 17, and fentanyl.  Fentanyl is a synthetic opioid fifty to one hundred times more potent than morphine.  Two milligrams of fentanyl is potentially deadly for the average person.  This year, fifteen individuals have died and fifty-three individuals have been injured from opioid related overdoses.  This is comparted to thirteen fatalities and forty-three injuries reported by the task force at this time last year.

The Northwest Virginia Regional Drug and Gang Task Force continues to encourage individuals who are living with addiction to seek treatment and assistance.

The Northwest Virginia Regional Drug and Gang Task Force is comprised of law enforcement personnel from Clarke, Frederick, Page and Shenandoah County Sheriff’s Departments, Front Royal, Luray, Strasburg, and Winchester Police Departments and the Virginia State Police Bureau of Criminal Investigation, Culpeper Field Office.