“This seizure exemplifies the threat not only to law enforcement but to community members,” said Special Agent Brian Mulcahy of the DEA’s Columbus district office.
COLUMBUS, Ohio — A routine traffic stop on East Livingston Avenue on Wednesday led to the seizure of more than 4 kilograms of fentanyl and cocaine by the Drug Enforcement Administration Task Force in Columbus.
Kemar Campbell was arrested during the traffic stop for an equipment violation when officers discovered more than 100 grams of cocaine in his pants, according to court documents. The subsequent investigation revealed the drugs were being transported for distribution.
“This seizure exemplifies the threat not only to law enforcement but to community members,” said Special Agent Brian Mulcahy of the DEA’s Columbus district office.
The bust yielded a collective haul of more than 4 kilograms of fentanyl and cocaine as well as counterfeit fentanyl pills, according to Mulcahy. He said the small blue pills are among the most commonly seized counterfeit fentanyl pills across the United States.
“That pill is made in Mexico by the cartel, and it’s actually smuggled into the United States and distributed throughout… Somebody could buy that pill on a street corner thinking it’s an oxycodone (when) it’s, in fact, a fentanyl pill and results in that loss of life,” Mulcahy explained.
He said as little as two milligrams of fentanyl can cause fatal drug poisoning or overdose.
“We’re seeing fatal drug poisonings and overdoses where the victim believed that they were ingesting cocaine, and in fact it was laced with fentanyl,” Mulcahy said.
In addition to the drugs, officers discovered 15 firearms in two separate storage units belonging to Campbell, along with a large amount of cash.
“You have fully automatic weapons. You have high-capacity rounds. You see many of these rifles actually have almost military-grade, law enforcement-grade scopes,” Mulcahy noted.
According to court documents, Campbell admitted to possessing the firearms despite knowing he was prohibited from having them due to a previous conviction for drug possession.
Campbell’s arraignment in Franklin County is scheduled for early September.
