Man arrested at Georgia QT with enough fentanyl to kill 9,000 people, investigators say

JEFFERSON, Ga. — A man is in jail after he was caught with a load of drugs, according to the Appalachian Regional Drug Enforcement Office.

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Investigators say they stopped Darkevion Parrish at a QT gas station in Jefferson, Georgia on Thursday.

The ARDEO says Parrish had approximately 18 grams of fentanyl, one gram of heroin, and Percocet prescription pills.

The Drug Enforcement Administration says just 2 milligrams of fentanyl can kill someone depending on their body size, tolerance, and past usage.

Drug dealers mix fentanyl with other drugs because of its potency and low cost, according to the DEA. The drug is 100x more potent than morphine.

42% of pills tested for fentanyl contained at least 2 milligrams, according to the DEA. The 18 grams seized in this case have a street value of $2,700.

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The investigation led to a search warrant at Parrish’s home where the ARDEO says it found five pounds of marijuana, Oxycodone pills, amphetamines and two stolen guns. The marijuana has a street value of $12,500.

Parrish is facing several charges including Trafficking Fentanyl, Possession of Heroin, Possession of Schedule 2 pills, Possession with intent to distribute Marijuana, Possession of a firearm by convicted felon, Theft by receiving stolen firearm, and Reckless Conduct.

The Jackson County Sheriff’s Office, Georgia State Patrol, and Appalachian Region Drug Enforcement Office were involved in the investigation.

The Appalachian Regional Drug Enforcement Office is a multi-agency unit that consists of the White County Sheriff’s Office, Lumpkin County Sheriff’s Office, Towns County Sheriff’s Office, Banks County Sheriff’s Office, Jackson County Sheriff’s Office, Habersham County Sheriff’s Office, Stephens County Sheriff’s Office, Rabun County Sheriff’s Office, Franklin County Sheriff’s Office, Gilmer County Sheriff’s Office, Fannin County Sheriff’s Office, along with the Cleveland Police Department, the Toccoa Police Department, the Georgia National Guard Counter Drug Task Force, Georgia State Patrol, and the Georgia Bureau of Investigation.

ARDEO encourages people to report any suspicious drug activity by calling 706-348-7410 or their local Sheriff’s Office or Police Department.

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