Last year, more than 430 people died from a drug overdose in Duval County. This is over three times the number of murders in 2023.
Recently, the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office shared news about a five-month-long drug investigation that resulted in the arrests of 14 people. The police focused on the main suppliers of fentanyl and methamphetamine.
During the operation, over a million dollars worth of drugs were confiscated from the five alleged drug rings, which operated across Florida, Georgia, and Puerto Rico.
Action News Jax interviewed a woman who lost her husband to a fentanyl overdose six years ago. She emphasized that the drug problem is widespread, and the recent drug bust is just the beginning of addressing the issue.
“To see him go through the progression of addiction was heartbreaking because the things he loved to do, he no longer loved.”
Colin Goodell passed away in 2017 at the age of 38 due to a fentanyl overdose. He enjoyed fishing, helping others, and taking good care of his belongings.
“Loving, he had a huge heart and just loved to make people laugh,” Goodell’s wife, Cheryl Canzanella said. “He had clothes on his back, food in his stomach, roof over his head, and he still didn’t make it.”
She mentioned it began with a doctor’s prescription for pain relief, which he wrestled with for many years, and overcoming the challenge of becoming drug-free was not simple.
“It was a constant you’re on the right track, back to the wrong time, couple steps forward, couple steps back… it was very discouraging,” Canzanella stated.
On Wednesday, Sheriff T.K. Waters of Jacksonville reported that there were 433 overdose deaths in Duval County and 470 overdose deaths in 2022.
A recent five-month investigation resulted in the arrests of 14 major drug traffickers, and law enforcement confiscated over $1 million worth of drugs. This included 120 pounds of methamphetamine and more than 2 kilograms of fentanyl, removing them from the streets.
“I don’t think this is over anytime soon,” Canzanella said. “I think the floodgates have been open. I think we’re going to see a lot more of this.”
Susan Pitman, from Drug Free Duval, which works on preventing drug problems and helping people recover, mentioned a significant increase in overdose deaths since she started the organization in 2008.
“The resources we need are to become a passionate community to really create more opportunity for people to get help and seek help,” Pitman said.
Pitman from Drug Free Duval thinks law enforcement is doing well in tackling suppliers. They use many resources to support the community.
The sheriff’s office stated that gun violence is linked to drug distribution. If you’re dealing with addiction, contact social service providers for rehab help.
