Durham, North Carolina — A 28-year-old Durham man was arrested Thursday after authorities seized a kilo of fentanyl, a highly potent synthetic opioid, in what the Durham County Sheriff’s Office calls a significant blow to local drug trafficking.
The suspect, Jerrad Alexander McPherson, was observed engaging in suspicious activity consistent with the sale and distribution of drugs, according to investigators.
Traffic Stop Leads to Pursuit and Seizure of Firearm
Detective S. Dixon attempted to stop a maroon Buick Encore driven by McPherson near Hillsborough and Colemill Roads in northwest Durham. Court documents indicate that McPherson fled the stop, driving recklessly at more than 15 mph over the posted speed limit.
During the short pursuit, McPherson allegedly threw items from the car, which were later recovered. Officers found a stolen 9mm semiautomatic pistol and a small amount of narcotics.
Home Search Uncovers Kilo of Fentanyl
Following the traffic stop, a search warrant was executed at McPherson’s home. Investigators discovered and seized approximately one kilogram of fentanyl. Authorities stressed the staggering potency of the drug: one kilo is enough to potentially kill 500,000 people, exceeding the population of Durham…