Garrett Moulder and Elizabeth Dye: Missouri couple arrested with enough fentanyl to kill over 52K people
AVONDALE, MISSOURI: In a significant drug bust, a Missouri couple, Garrett Moulder, 38, and Elizabeth Dye, 31, was arrested on Sunday, January 7, following the execution of a search warrant by the Clay County Sheriff’s Office at their residence in Avondale.
The arrest came after months-long investigation that led authorities to the discovery of over 105 grams of fentanyl inside the premises, an amount potent enough to potentially kill more than 52,000 people.
Authorities uncover additional illicit activities
The operation, conducted by the Sheriff's Office's Special Operations Squad and Drug Task Force, also revealed additional illicit activities at the residence. Authorities allegedly uncovered paraphernalia associated with packaging and distributing drugs, along with the presence of methamphetamine, cocaine, five firearms, and three suppressors. Notably, one of the seized firearms was reported stolen.
Garrett now faces serious charges, including two counts of drug trafficking, unlawful use of a weapon, and theft of a firearm. Similarly, Elizabeth is charged with one count of drug trafficking and one count of drug possession. Both individuals are currently in custody, held on $100,000 bonds.
Elizabeth appeared in court on Monday, January 8, while Garrett is scheduled to make a court appearance on Tuesday, according to reports from KCTV.
What are symptoms of fentanyl exposure?
Exposure to fentanyl, a powerful synthetic opioid, can result in a range of symptoms that vary depending on the level of exposure and the route of exposure (inhalation, ingestion, or skin contact). Notably, fentanyl can cause rapid and severe effects, even in small amounts.
Common symptoms of fentanyl overdose include pinpoint pupils, falling asleep or losing consciousness, slow and shallow breathing, choking or gurgling sounds, limp body, and pale, blue, or cold skin. In case someone suspects a fentanyl overdose, they should immediately call 911 and administer Narcan (naloxone) if available.
What is Narcan used for?
In the event of a fentanyl overdose, administering Narcan can be crucial, potentially saving a person's life. Narcan, also known as naloxone, is a medication used to rapidly reverse the effects of opioid overdose. It is an opioid receptor antagonist, which means it binds to the same receptors in the brain as that of heroin, morphine, and fentanyl.
In the process, Narcan effectively blocks the effects of opioids, preventing life-threatening symptoms caused by an overdose, such as slowed breathing and loss of consciousness. Narcan can be administered through various routes, including intranasal spray or injection, and it works relatively quickly to restore normal breathing and consciousness.
