Parsons man arrested Thanksgiving Day on drug-related charges
On Thanksgiving Day, Thursday, November 23,at approximately 11:00 a.m., Parsons Police Officer Frank Pousher, Cpl. Christian Smith and K9 Morgan conducted a traffic stop after vehicle after it failed to signal
The driver and only occupant was found to be 33-year-old Damian Lajarwin-Gerre Williams of Parsons.
K9 Morgan gave a positive alert to the vehicle during an open air sniff.
During a subsequent search of the vehicle, amounts of marijuana and paraphernalia were located, as well as more than 25 pills marked as the controlled substance Oxycodone, which Williams was in unlawful possession of.
Williams was arrested for Possession of Controlled Substance with the intent to distribute, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia and a traffic infraction of failure to signal. Due to the Thanksgiving holiday, an affidavit was sent to a judge for review, a bond was set for $5,000 cash or surety. Williams was subsequently transferred to the Labette County Jail.
The pills are being sent to the Kansas Bureau of Investigation (KBI) Crime Lab for analysis and identification, as in recent years the nation has been plagued by counterfeit prescription pills thatcontain Fentanyl or other controlled substances.
These pills are commonly referred to as “Dirty 30s’ and have caused fatal overdoses. The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) put out this information regarding counterfeit pills:
“Counterfeit pills are nearly identical to actual prescription medications. The majority of counterfeit pills resemble oxycodone 30mg pills (M30s), but can also mimic hydrocodone, alprazolam (Xanax), Adderall, and other medications. There are indications that drug trafficking organizations are specifically targeting kids and teens by creating counterfeit pills in a variety of shapes and bright colors to appeal to that age group. Counterfeit M30 pills can vary in color from white to blue.
The best way to avoid counterfeit medication is to take only medications prescribed by a licensed medical professional and dispensed by a registered pharmacist.”
“This is another example of proactive policing at work,” said Patrol Sergeant Charles Brown.
“There are no routine traffic stops,” he continued. “Every stop could lead to arresting a violent felon; a distributor of death within our community; or an impaired driver from our streets. I am proud of these officers and K9 Morgan in making this apprehension.”