CLARKSBURG, W.Va. – Three out-of-state suspects are behind bars and enough fentanyl to kill 500,000 people is off the street.
Reports indicate William McDowell, 42, of Bowie, Maryland, was stopped for speeding in the construction zone on Route 50. Police determined McDowell did not have a valid driver’s license and neither passenger, Desiree Lewis, 65, or Clarence Williams, 55, both of Virginia, was licensed to drive.
When officers determined Lewis was wanted for a felony drug violation in Virginia a canine officer was called to the scene.
During a search police recovered a loaded pistol that was reported stolen, Suboxne strips and large block later identified as 1 kilo of fentanyl. Police also recovered digital scales and another ounce of the deadly drug.
The suspects told police they had left hours before after a visit to Columbus, Ohio and were traveling back to Maryland.
All three suspects have been charged with possession with intent to deliver, transportation of a controlled substance into the state and being prohibited individuals in possession of a firearm. They are being held in the North Central Regional Jail.