Police unit honored for major fentanyl drug busts

During a recent city council meeting, the Mayor of McKinney highlighted the commendable efforts of the McKinney Police Department's narcotics unit in the ongoing battle against drug-related issues, particularly the rise of fentanyl in the community. The Mayor emphasized that the recognition of the police department was not merely a budgetary formality but a genuine acknowledgment of their hard work.

The narcotics unit has been actively engaged in removing dangerous substances from the streets, with recent operations yielding significant drug seizures. Notably, a search warrant executed at a residence in McKinney uncovered various narcotics, including fentanyl, methamphetamine, cocaine, psilocybin, and marijuana. Additionally, a traffic stop led to a follow-up investigation in Allen, Texas, where officers seized 343 grams of cocaine, 334 grams of fentanyl, and 10 pounds of marijuana. The fentanyl alone represented approximately 167,000 lethal doses that were prevented from reaching the community.

The Mayor also addressed the tragic impact of drug overdoses, citing the recent death of a 17-year-old McKinney resident due to suspected fentanyl toxicity. Following a thorough investigation, the narcotics unit secured a rare murder warrant, leading to the arrest of a suspect in connection with the overdose.

In recognition of their dedication and success, Lieutenant Joshua Laird and Sergeant Russ Getz were honored with challenge coins, symbolizing their commitment to public safety and the fight against drug-related crime. The Mayor expressed pride in the narcotics unit's achievements and their ongoing efforts to protect the community from the dangers of drug abuse.