‘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.
Copyright 2024 HERE News Network. All rights reserved.
Author: STAFF HERE MYRTLE BEACH
The HERE Myrtle Beach Staff Writers are a collaborative team of journalists, editors, and local contributors passionate about delivering accurate, timely information to the Myrtle Beach community. As part of the HEREcity.com Network, which powers over 100 U.S. city sites including HEREcolumbia.com, our staff draws on collective experience in South Carolina journalism to cover everything from business sales and real estate developments to dining deals and community initiatives. Our Expertise and Background Local Roots in Myrtle Beach Our team includes lifelong Myrtle Beach residents and SC natives with deep knowledge of the area’s history, economy, and culture. We’ve covered key events like the recent developments along the Grand Strand, Myrtle Beach’s tourism and hospitality industry, and growth in local education sectors (e.g., Coastal Carolina University programs). Collective Experience With over 50 combined years in journalism, our staff has backgrounds in print, digital media, and community reporting. We prioritize fact-based stories, drawing from sources like the Myrtle Beach Area Chamber of Commerce, city government records, and on-the-ground interviews. Commitment to Quality Every article is a group effort, involving research, editing, and verification to ensure reliability. We adhere to journalistic standards, citing credible sources and updating content as new details emerge.
