The Gist: Three women were arrested in Fannin County after a traffic stop uncovered a significant stash of suspected fentanyl pills.
What Happened?: Megan Lowery, 36, Laura Kilgo, 55, and Amanda Lang, 41, were pulled over on Highway 5 in McCaysville for a traffic violation. According to the GBI, the stop led to the discovery of hundreds of suspected fentanyl pills. Further digging pointed to a Tennessee home as the source, where a subsequent raid resulted in 10 more arrests.
By The Numbers:
- 75: Suspected fentanyl pills found with Amanda Lang.
- 250: Suspected fentanyl pills and methamphetamine found with Laura Kilgo.
- 500+: Pills seized from the Tennessee home.
- 10: Individuals arrested in the Tennessee raid.
- 2: Firearms confiscated.
Why It Matters: The arrest of the three women and the subsequent raid in Tennessee highlights the ongoing battle against the opioid crisis. Fentanyl, a synthetic opioid, is particularly dangerous and has been linked to a surge in overdose deaths.
What’s Next?: The investigation continues, with multiple law enforcement agencies involved. The public is urged to report any related information to GBI ARDEO at (706) 348-7410 or through the See Something, Send Something app.
For anonymous tips, reach out online at https://gbi.georgia.gov/submit-tips-online or call 1-800-597-TIPS(8477).
Fentanyl Deaths in Georgia:
- Fentanyl-related overdose deaths in Georgia have been increasing since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic.
- Between May 1, 2020, and April 30, 2021, fentanyl-involved overdose deaths increased by 106.2% compared to the same time period the previous year.
- From 2019 to 2021, fentanyl-involved overdose deaths in Georgia increased by 230%.
- In total, Georgia experiences 1,408 overdose deaths per year.
- 1.65% of all deaths in Georgia are from drug overdose.
- The state’s overdose death rate is 13.1 deaths out of every 100,000 residents.
⚠️ Reminder: Crime articles contain only charges and information from police reports and law enforcement statements. Suspects and defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.