News Summary
A significant drug bust in North Augusta led to the seizure of over 745 grams of fentanyl by Aiken County deputies. Three individuals were arrested during a multi-agency operation aimed at tackling the ongoing fentanyl crisis. The operation, which began in May, highlights the alarming potential of the seized fentanyl to cause fatalities. Authorities continue to emphasize the importance of collaborative efforts in combating drug trafficking and enhancing community safety in the face of the opioid epidemic.
North Augusta has become the focal point of a significant drug trafficking bust as Aiken County deputies seized over 745 grams (approximately 1.54 pounds) of fentanyl. The operation culminated on Thursday when law enforcement executed a search warrant at a residence located in the 1000 block of Georgia Avenue, resulting in the arrests of three individuals.
This extensive investigation is part of a multi-agency joint operation involving the Aiken County Sheriff’s Office, Richmond County Sheriff’s Office, and the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA). The operation, which began in May, aimed to combat the ongoing fentanyl crisis affecting communities across the nation.
The quantity of fentanyl seized during this operation is alarming, with estimates suggesting it could have potentially killed 372,000 people, based on the fact that a lethal dose is only 2 milligrams. Despite recent trends indicating a decrease in drug overdose deaths both in South Carolina and nationwide, authorities remain vigilant. They emphasize the necessity of addressing the changing landscape of new drugs that pose imminent threats to public safety.
Arrested were Jerome Green, 57, of Graniteville; Maxine Greene, 56, and Winnie Marie Carrol, 59, both from North Augusta. All three suspects have been charged with trafficking fentanyl, a serious offense under state law. Jerome Green is currently being held in Columbia County and is awaiting extradition to Aiken County for formal proceedings. Meanwhile, Maxine Greene and Winnie Marie Carrol are in custody at the Aiken County Detention Center without bond.
The Aiken County Sheriff’s Office expressed appreciation for the collaborative efforts of the involved agencies in this case, underscoring the importance of teamwork in enhancing community safety. Law enforcement officials believe that this bust will significantly impact the distribution of fentanyl in the area and potentially save lives by removing such a large quantity of this deadly substance from the streets.
Fentanyl has rapidly become a primary driver of the opioid crisis in the United States, with its potency making it particularly dangerous. The drug is often mixed with other substances or sold in counterfeit pills, increasing the risk of accidental overdose among unsuspecting users. While there have been improvements in reducing overdose deaths in some areas, the risk of fentanyl and other emerging drugs continues to present challenges for public health and law enforcement.
This recent seizure is a reminder that the fight against drug trafficking is far from over. Aiken County deputies, along with their partners in law enforcement, are committed to continuing their efforts in combatting drug-related crimes and ensuring the safety and well-being of the community. As investigations and operations like this unfold, the collaboration among various law enforcement entities will play an essential role in addressing the opioid epidemic and protecting vulnerable populations from the dangers of drug abuse.
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Additional Resources
- WRDW: North Augusta Raid Yields Enough Fentanyl to Kill Half of CSRA
- Wikipedia: Fentanyl
- WJBF: Aiken County Raid Results in Three Arrests for Fentanyl Trafficking
- Google Search: Fentanyl Crisis USA
- The Augusta Press: Over 1.5 Pounds of Fentanyl Seized in North Augusta Drug Raid
- Google Scholar: Fentanyl Opioid Crisis
- Post and Courier: Drug Bust in North Augusta Results in Three Arrests
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Fentanyl
- Aiken Standard: Drug Bust in North Augusta Results in Three Arrests
- Google News: Fentanyl Trafficking
Author: STAFF HERE AUGUSTA WRITER
AUGUSTA STAFF WRITER The AUGUSTA STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREAugusta.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Augusta, Richmond County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Arts in the Heart Festival, Westobou Festival, and Masters Week. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Augusta Metro Chamber of Commerce and Greater Augusta Arts Council, plus leading businesses in manufacturing and healthcare that power the local economy such as Textron Specialized Vehicles, Cardinal Health, and Nutrien. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAtlanta.com and HERESavannah.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Georgia's dynamic landscape.
