A group of teenagers and preteens were arrested for allegedly being part of a fentanyl ring that sold drugs to children in schools near Jackson, Mississippi.
Five teenagers ages 17 to 21 are the latest suspects arrested in a long-running multi-agency investigation following “numerous” overdoses in the Rankin County area.
Last year was the first time the U.S. overdose death toll exceeded 112,000 in a 12-month period, according to the Centers for Disease Control.
Meanwhile, federal researchers say drug overdoses are a leading cause of death among American adults under 45.
Richland, Mississippi police said they seized “a significant amount” of fentanyl pills in the recent drug raid in which four teenagers were arrested.
A group of teenagers and preteens were arrested for allegedly being part of a fentanyl ring that sold drugs to children in schools near Jackson, Mississippi
Five teenagers ages 17 to 21 are the latest suspects arrested in a long-running multi-agency investigation following “numerous” overdoses in the Rankin County area. (Pictured: Mollie McNally)
Ayden Broome
Brooklyn Goss
Haley Dunlap
Pedro Martinez García
Police added that some of the suspected fentanyl was only intercepted the night before it was distributed to children at a local school.
The Richland Police Department, along with the Rankin County Sheriff's Department and the Madison Police Department, have arrested 11 suspects so far.
The latest group includes 17-year-old Pedro Martinez Garcia, who was found to be of legal age and charged with selling fentanyl.
He was out on bail on previous charges of selling fentanyl, possession of fentanyl with intent to distribute and possession of methamphetamine.
Ayden Broome, 18, and Mollie McNally, 19, are each accused of selling fentanyl within 1,500 feet of a school, church or park.
Haley Dunlap, 19, and Brooklyn Goss, 21, were also charged with selling fentanyl, while Goss faces an additional charge of possession with intent to distribute.
Several other teenagers, some as young as 16, were also arrested.