ALABAMA — A major drug investigation spanning both sides of the Chattahoochee River has led to multiple felony charges after authorities say they seized enough fentanyl to potentially kill tens of thousands of people.
According to officials, the investigation was a joint effort between the Russell County Sheriff’s Office and the Muscogee County Sheriff’s Office. Authorities announced the results Thursday during a press conference.
Investigators said they began looking into 44-year-old Eddie Gordy Jr. on March 26 for suspected drug trafficking in the area. The investigation resulted in Gordy being charged with trafficking fentanyl, with an estimated street value of about $8,500.
Authorities said Gordy also faces additional felony charges, including trafficking methamphetamine with a street value of more than $400,000, attempting to elude law enforcement, reckless endangerment and three counts of chemical endangerment of a child.
Sheriff Heath Taylor said Gordy attempted to flee from investigators on March 25, leading to additional charges.
Officials said Diamond Lavender, who was a passenger in the vehicle and lived with Gordy, is also facing three counts of chemical endangerment of a child. Authorities expect warrants for her arrest to be issued.
When investigators returned to the residence shared by Gordy and Lavender, officials said all children inside the home tested positive for drugs.
Authorities emphasized the scale of the seizure, with Muscogee County Sheriff Greg Countryman stating the amount of fentanyl recovered was enough to potentially kill approximately 42,000 people.
Gordy is currently being held in the Russell County Jail. The investigation remains ongoing.
