Last week in Austin, a shocking incident occurred where dozens of people overdosed, resulting in nine suspected deaths. The authorities have taken swift action and arrested five individuals in connection with these tragic events.
According to a local ABC News affiliate KVUE, the Austin Police Department has reported the arrest and charges of Marcellus Barron, 30; Denise Horton, 47; Gary Lewis, 50; Ronnie Mims, 45; and Kanady Rimjo, 32, for possession or delivery of a controlled substance.
According to KVUE, the suspects were traced by the police through an investigation into the origin of the drugs responsible for the recent overdoses. The narcotics involved in these cases were found to be marijuana and crack cocaine, which had been mixed with fentanyl.
Fentanyl, as per the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, is a man-made opioid that is significantly more powerful than morphine, with a potency that ranges from 50 to 100 times stronger.
The CDC reported that the majority of fentanyl-related harm, overdose, and fatalities in the United States can be attributed to illegally manufactured fentanyl. This dangerous substance is frequently found in illegal drug markets, where it is commonly mixed with other drugs like cocaine or heroin in order to enhance its potency.
Around 9 a.m. ET on Monday, April 29, Austin-Travis County Emergency Medical Services (ATCEMS) experienced a sudden increase in calls, primarily in the downtown area.
During a recent press conference, Dr. Heidi Abraham, the deputy medical director for ATCEMS, revealed that the number of overdose calls the organization receives on a daily basis has seen a staggering increase. Typically, ATCEMS would receive two or three overdose calls per day. However, recently, the call volume has surged, representing an alarming 1,000% increase.
On Monday, there were a total of 79 reported overdoses, with ATCEMS distributing 438 Narcan rescue kits. Narcan, which is administered as a nasal spray, contains naloxone as its active ingredient. This medication is highly effective in rapidly restoring breathing in individuals who are experiencing an opioid overdose.
According to KVUE, police have arrested Johnny Lee Wright, a 55-year-old individual, after surveillance video footage caught him delivering narcotics to residents in Austin. The Austin Police Department (APD) stated that Wright has a history of felony convictions, including some related to narcotics.
ABC News’ request for comment was not immediately returned by APD.
The number of drug overdose deaths in the United States has reached a new high. In 2022, the provisional data from the CDC reveals that there were nearly 108,000 drug overdose deaths.
According to provisional data from the Texas Department of State Health Services, drug poisoning-related deaths in Texas for 2022 have reached a rate of 15.4 per 100,000 people. This is the highest rate recorded since at least 2011.
