‘It doesn’t surprise me’: Nationwide rise in fentanyl arrests also seen in Grand Strand

A Dangerous Trend

The life-threatening amount of fentanyl is approximately two milligrams, an amount that can be visualized by looking at the tip of a pencil. Despite the drug’s inherent dangers, new data indicate that for the first time in U.S. history, arrests linked with fentanyl have surpassed those tied to heroin. Accordingly, the data indicate that over 3,100 fentanyl-related arrests have been made throughout the last year, nationwide.

Special Agent Crystal Harper’s observations reflect this rising trend; she notes that the DEA’s long-term investigations usually target gangs and their kingpins, and that their Atlanta division alone has made over 200 arrests since 2020.

‘It doesn’t surprise me at all’

As this nationwide trend continues, it is echoed locally on the Grand Stand. Specifically, North Myrtle Beach’s police force has seen an alarming 183% increase in drug-related arrests from 2020 to 2023. In response to this spike, the department began separately tracking fentanyl-related arrests.

“The national opioid crisis is nothing foreign,” says Officer Wilkinson of the North Myrtle Beach Police Department. The reasons behind the surge are multifaceted and include more widespread drug usage and enhanced law enforcement efforts.

Increasing Patrols, Increasing Arrests

One factor contributing to the increased number of arrests is an uptick in policing in North Myrtle Beach. As Wilkinson explains, officers are taking proactive measures, like checking out suspicious activities, which leads to intercepting more crimes before they transpire.

Surfside Beach, a nearby jurisdiction, reflects a similar trend with a 104% increase in drug arrests from 2020 to 2023. Additionally, the Georgetown Police Department reported a 38% increase during the same period.

Fighting the Opioid Crisis

Fighting opioid addiction means confronting the rise of fentanyl, a lethal drug that is increasingly prevalent both nationally and in local communities. Unfortunately, unsuspecting individuals may consume pills appearing to be legitimate prescription medications but are in fact laced with fentanyl leading to tragic consequences.

Staying Informed

Stay tuned with the HERE News Network for continued updates on this concerning issue.

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