PIKEVILLE, NC – Pikeville Police Department officers are being praised for their exceptional work during a routine traffic stop that resulted in the seizure of enough fentanyl to potentially kill approximately 2,000 people—nearly three times the population of Pikeville.
The significant drug recovery highlights the ongoing battle against the deadly synthetic opioid that continues to devastate communities across the nation.
Officer Exposed During Seizure, Makes Full Recovery
During the operation, one officer experienced accidental airborne exposure to fentanyl despite wearing personal protective equipment. Fellow officers quickly recognized the symptoms and provided immediate medical assistance, leading to the officer’s full recovery and safe return to duty.
“We are grateful that he has safely returned to duty and continues to serve the residents of Pikeville with the same courage and commitment as before,” the department stated.
Chief Praises Officers’ Proactive Work
Police Chief Rodney Jarman commended the officers involved in the seizure, emphasizing how their training and vigilance directly protected the community.
“The work ethic, proactive enforcement, and dedication to training demonstrated by these officers directly resulted in this dangerous substance being taken off our streets,” Chief Jarman said. “Their actions reflect the very best of law enforcement professionalism and community protection.”
Fentanyl Crisis Reaches Deadly Proportions
According to the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), fentanyl is approximately 50 times stronger than heroin and 100 times more potent than morphine. A lethal dose can be as small as two milligrams—roughly the size of a few grains of salt.
The synthetic opioid poses additional dangers because it is frequently mixed into other drugs, including cocaine, heroin, and counterfeit pills, often without users’ knowledge. In 2023, the DEA reported that six out of ten counterfeit pills tested contained potentially deadly doses of fentanyl.
Fentanyl-related overdoses have reached crisis levels nationwide, with the drug remaining one of the leading causes of overdose deaths in the United States.
Ongoing Community Protection Efforts
The Pikeville Police Department emphasized its continued commitment to combating the fentanyl threat through proactive enforcement and community partnerships. Officials are urging residents to stay vigilant and report any suspicious activities.
“This case is a sobering reminder of the deadly power of fentanyl,” Chief Jarman concluded. “Thanks to the courage and quick actions of our officers, countless lives were potentially saved. We will continue to do everything in our power to protect the people of Pikeville from this ongoing threat.”
Public Resources Available
For more information about fentanyl dangers and prevention resources, the public can visit the DEA’s official website at www.dea.gov/fentanyl.
