WILMINGTON — A New Hanover County Sheriff Office detective was released from New Hanover Regional Medical Center Thursday evening after an apparent opioid overdose resulting from a drug investigation.
NHCSO spokesperson Lt. Jerry Brewer said the detective, along with another detective and a deputy, approached a vehicle on I-40 East at 8 p.m., as part of a drug investigation led by the local Safe Streets program. Lewis Drayton, 37, allegedly threw drugs out of the vehicle window and the powder scattered.
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It is suspected the detective overdosed via inhalation. He lost consciousness during the stop, and Brewer said Narcan used by one of the deputies revived him. Brewer said the other two officers nearby did not suffer any noticeable symptoms.
The sheriff’s office conducted a field test on the crystalline drug, which showed fentanyl. Brewer said the field tests are not always accurate so verification of its contents will require a lab test.
Apparent police opioid overdoses have made headlines over the past two years. Viral videos show unrealistic reactions like hyperventilating after exposure to tiny amounts of fentanyl on an officer’s skin. Medical professionals have pushed back on those cases as implausible.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention advises opioids can be absorbed via inhalation. Brewer said the officer was exposed to a lot of the substance in this case.
“It was freakin’ everywhere,” he said. “It looked like snow dusting on the car.”
Brewer said the detective was the first person approaching the car and was hit with the powder when it was thrown. Exactly how much of the drug was present is unclear. The remnants are being collected from the vehicle by deputies in hazmat suits.
When questioned on whether officers have shown adverse reactions after exposure to opioids in the field before, Brewer said this was the first. He said deputies handle unknown drugs often but the substances are usually contained.
The CDC advises first responders to wear gloves when handling substances and avoid touching the eyes, nose or mouth after interacting with surfaces that could be contaminated.
Drayton was arrested and charged with assault with a deadly weapon on a government official, trafficking opium or heroin, possession of marijuana less than half an ounce and possession of drug paraphernalia. He was given no bond and is being held at New Hanover County Detention Center.
Charmaine Cuttino, 24, also in the car, was charged with trafficking opium or heroin and possession of drug paraphernalia. She is being held on a $1 million bond.
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