2 arrested after bags of fentanyl seized from Middletown home

Middletown police seized bags of fentanyl (right) from a house on Vannest Avenue (left) June 28 while serving a search warrant.

Middletown police seized bags of fentanyl (right) from a house on Vannest Avenue (left) June 28 while serving a search warrant.

More arrests are expected after police seized bags of fentanyl from a Middletown home Wednesday night.

A search warrant was served at a home on Vannest Avenue at about 8:30 p.m., according to Middletown police.

“It appears they were pressing the dope there,” Middletown Police Chief Rodney Muterspaw said in a post on Facebook. “Arrests were made and more are coming…”

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Police found 86 grams of fentanyl and arrested two people, according to Middletown Lt. Jimmy Cunningham.

Trey Burton, 24, is charged with felony possession of drugs and Gary Campbell, 51, is charged with felony permitting drug abuse.

Also recovered in the search was drug paraphernalia and multiple press machines used to make the drugs, according to the sheriff’s office.

“Fentanyl is very potent. It’s a synthetic opioid pain medication. It has a fast onset but has a short duration of action. Fentanyl is 50 to 100 times more potent than morphine,” said Sheriff Richard Jones. “These guys did a great job as always putting these guys out of their illegal business.”

“One of the main suspects was a dealer from out of town,” Muterspaw said.

“When I walked into the house I can see why the neighborhood complained. Needles, drugs, etc…” the chief wrote on Facebook.

MORE: Middletown police join specialized drug unit

The Middletown Special Investigations Unit joined forces with the Butler County Sheriff’s Office Undercover Regional Narcotics (BURN) unit in the drug bust.

“The community was sick of it and a case was built. It takes time and patience but the reward is worth it,” Muterspaw said. “Joining forces with Butler County Sheriff’s Office was one of the best things we’ve done…”

“You now have two full time drug units working Middletown along with some hungry drug dogs and patrol officers trained in drug interdiction that are focusing on the dealers. Hope they enjoy looking over their shoulder 24/7…” Muterspaw said.

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