GAITHERSBURG, Md. — A 16-year-old has been arrested in Montgomery County with over 400 suspected fentanyl pills, following a drug investigation by local police. The teenager, whose name has not been released due to age, faces charges of drug possession with intent to sell.
The arrest took place on Friday, November 1, when officers from the Montgomery County Department of Police’s 4th District Special Assignment Team observed a suspected drug transaction on Georgian Wood Place in the Glenmont area. Police said they witnessed the 16-year-old selling drugs to an 18-year-old buyer from Riverdale, prompting officers to detain both individuals without incident.
During a search, officers found 13 suspected fentanyl pills, marked as “M30,” on the 18-year-old buyer. The juvenile seller was found to be carrying 432 “M30” pills, which are suspected to contain fentanyl, along with packaging materials and an undisclosed amount of cash.
The 16-year-old was transported to the 4th District Station and subsequently referred to the Department of Juvenile Services for processing. The teenager was later released into the custody of a guardian. The 18-year-old buyer was also taken to the 4th District Station and charged.
Fentanyl, a synthetic opioid significantly more potent than heroin, has been linked to a rise in fatal overdoses nationwide, intensifying efforts by law enforcement to crack down on distribution, especially among juveniles.