COLUMBUS, Ind. -A Bunker Hill, Indiana, man has been arrested on felony drug charges following an investigation by the Joint Narcotics Enforcement Team (JNET).
Authorities began the investigation into Antoine D. Ford, 35, after identifying him as a suspected retail distributor of illegal narcotics. Ford has a lengthy violent criminal history and was recently released from prison in May, according to law enforcement.
On July 6, JNET requested the Columbus Police Department (CPD) Uniform Division to conduct a traffic stop on a vehicle in which Ford was a passenger. Officers allegedly observed multiple traffic violations committed by the driver of the vehicle before he was stopped on Sawin Drive east of Marr Road. A CPD K9 later alerted to the odor of narcotics in the car, according to police.
During the search of the vehicle, officers reportedly found suspected methamphetamine, fentanyl, marijuana, and drug paraphernalia, including a baggie containing 11 counterfeit Oxycodone 30MG pills that were packaged for sale. Investigators obtained evidence that shows Ford supposedly possessed the fake pills with the intent to distribute them. The suspect was taken into custody.
The counterfeit pills later field-tested presumptively positive for fentanyl. Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) Laboratory testing reveals six out of ten fentanyl-laced fake prescription pills contain a potentially fatal dose of fentanyl.
After Ford was arrested, he reportedly told officers that he had recently ingested narcotics. Officers transported him to Columbus Regional Health (CRH) for treatment. While en route, Ford became unresponsive. Officers administered Narcan to Ford and he awoke a short time later. After receiving medical treatment at the hospital, he was discharged.
He was then taken to Bartholomew County Jail where he was incarcerated on the preliminary charges of dealing in a narcotic drug (Level 4 felony), possession of a narcotic drug (Level 6 felony, possession of meth (Level 6 felony), possession of marijuana, and possession of paraphernalia.
M30 Fentanyl recovered by law enforcement. Courtesy – JNET.
