Man Accused Of Having Enough Fentanyl To Kill 272,000 People

A Lillington man is being held under a $2 million bond after being accused of having enough fentanyl to kill hundreds of thousands of people, CBS 17 reports. A multi-agency investigation alleges Wayne Lee Howell supplied drugs like heroin, fentanyl, and crystal meth to nearby counties.

The multi-team effort utilized law enforcement from the Harnett County Sheriff's Office, the Drug Enforcement Agency and North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation. According to CBS 17, Howell was arrested on May 2 and charged with multiple counts of drug trafficking, possession with intent to sell/deliver marijuana, maintaining a vehicle for the purpose of controlled substance, and possession of a firearm by a felon. More charges are expected to be filed against him as he remains in the Harnett County Detention Center.

"By estimates of DEA and NCSBI the amount of Fentanyl seized has the potential of killing 272,000-300,000 people," the sheriff's office said in statement.

Deputies seized approximately 13.2 pounds of heroin, 1,5 pounds of fentanyl, 13.4 pounds of crystal meth, 2.2 pounds of powder cocaine, 52 grams of crack cocaine, 4.2 pounds of marijuana, $415,160 in cash, and four firearms.

"I would like to recognize the teamwork between all of the assisting agencies that worked countless hours on this investigation," said Sheriff Wayne Coats. "A seizure of this magnitude is a direct reflection of what is happening locally."

"I know in my heart that putting this criminal in jail has saved lives," he continued. "I pray daily for the families of individuals that fell victim to this evil. My Office will not stop investigating and arresting these dealers."

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