Following a series of coordinated traffic stops, the police in Glynn County, Georgia, working alongside the Georgia State Police, reported seizing fentanyl, cocaine and crack cocaine from drivers in the state.
This controlled policing was conducted as a series of traffic stops based on previous indications that some drivers or passengers may be involved with illegal drug activity. According to the news from April 22, one of those stops resulted in a life being saved after it was discovered that a suspect had ingested a lethal dose of fentanyl. This powerful opioid is just one of several kinds that the police were looking for during those stops. In total, the police reported seizing 24 grams of fentanyl. Just two milligrams have the potential to be fatal when ingested.
Can the police really stop people for no reason?
In coordinated traffic stops, the police may pull over drivers if they have probable cause. In these cases, officers may have had previous indications that a driver would be impaired or carrying drugs in their possession. For example, the officer may make a traffic stop after seeing a driver make an error. Then, using a drug-sniffing dog around the outside of the vehicle, the dog could alert them to the presence of drugs. This would give an officer the opportunity to get a warrant to search the vehicle.
What should you do if you’re accused of drug crimes after a police stop?
If you’re stopped by the police, it’s usually in your best interests to listen to what they ask you to do and to go with them willingly if they intend to arrest you. You don’t have to say or do anything that might negatively impact your case, and it’s usually better to wait to speak with the police until you’ve spoken with your attorney. Charges can add up quickly, and you don’t want to give the authorities any reason to add on more.
