PIKE COUNTY – A traffic stop Friday on Interstate 55 led to what authorities believe is one of the largest fentanyl seizures in Pike County history, according to the Pike County Sheriff’s Office.
Sheriff Bryant Wally Jones said the incident happened at about 2:12 p.m. April 17 on northbound I-55 just north of the Summit exit.
According to the sheriff’s office, Jones attempted to stop a dark gray Honda Civic, but the driver continued north before exiting at Dixie Springs. While the vehicle was on the exit ramp, authorities said a large quantity of suspected fentanyl pills was thrown from the passenger window.
The vehicle stopped a short time later, and the driver, identified as Tremail Richardson of Brookhaven, was taken into custody without further incident, the sheriff’s office said. A passenger, identified as Berangton Wells of Wesson, was also taken into custody at the scene.
Richardson was charged with multiple traffic violations and fleeing and eluding law enforcement, according to the sheriff’s office. Authorities said both Richardson and Wells were charged with felony controlled substance violations related to the suspected fentanyl.
The sheriff’s office said the seizure is believed to be one of the largest fentanyl recoveries in Pike County history.
“Fentanyl is claiming lives at an alarming rate,” Jones said in a statement. “We remain committed to proactively and aggressively combating illegal drugs and crime in Pike County. Cases like this highlight the importance of strong law enforcement partnerships.”
Jones also thanked deputies with the Pike County Sheriff’s Office, investigators with the Pike County Gang Unit, the Mississippi Highway Patrol and the Mississippi Bureau of Narcotics for helping apprehend the suspects and assist with the investigation.
The investigation remains ongoing. The sheriff’s office noted that all suspects are presumed innocent until proven guilty.
