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Two men are now behind bars after two major drug busts in Fayette County, Pennsylvania, where law enforcement uncovered a large stash of drugs, guns, and cash. The seizures, part of an ongoing effort to curb drug distribution in the area, have drawn attention to the dangerous substances making their way into communities.
Fayette County District Attorney Mike Aubele shared details of the operation, which involved the coordinated efforts of local law enforcement agencies. The drug task force worked meticulously to gather intelligence using confidential informants and surveillance, eventually leading to the arrests of 55-year-old Edward Shelton and 40-year-old Robert Stratton.
According to CBS news, the first bust occurred at Shelton’s home in Connellsville, where officers found 300 grams of suspected cocaine, 1,100 stamp bags of suspected heroin/fentanyl, xylazine, nine firearms, and $7,000 in cash. Shelton, who was already a target of the drug task force, was taken into custody without surprise, as authorities had been gathering information for some time.
The second arrest took place on the same day in Point Marion. Stratton, not a local resident, was arrested after officers discovered 66 grams of suspected fentanyl/xylazine in his car. Aubele confirmed that Stratton had been traveling into the state to distribute the drugs.
These arrests are just the beginning, according to Aubele. He emphasized that while these two men were middlemen in the drug trade, law enforcement will continue to work toward dismantling larger networks. "There’s always somebody bigger to go after," Aubele said. "Our agents are working hard to make that happen."
One of the most concerning aspects of the busts was the presence of xylazine, a substance that is becoming increasingly prevalent in drug-related incidents. Xylazine, a non-opioid sedative typically used on animals, was found mixed with fentanyl in both seizures. Aubele warned that xylazine is not responsive to Narcan, the common opioid overdose reversal drug. This means that individuals who overdose on drugs laced with xylazine will need hospital treatment to survive, as Narcan will not have any effect.
The rise of xylazine is particularly troubling because it is a substitute used by dealers who may be seeking to cut costs or boost the potency of their products. While it may help achieve the desired high, it significantly increases the risk of overdose, with the added danger of Narcan being ineffective. This makes the task of reversing overdoses much more difficult, leaving victims with limited chances of survival if immediate medical attention is not available.
Aubele acknowledged that this trend is making the job of law enforcement even more difficult. He explained that while fentanyl’s widespread use has already caused a spike in overdoses, xylazine is now adding another layer of danger. He highlighted that the substances seized in these busts have likely saved countless lives, potentially preventing up to 2,000 fatal overdoses.
Despite the challenges, Aubele remains committed to continuing the fight against drug trafficking in Fayette County. "These busts are a step in the right direction," he said. "We will continue to do what we need to do to save lives."
As these dangerous substances continue to flood the streets, law enforcement’s ongoing efforts to disrupt the supply chain are critical. The message from Fayette County is clear: they are determined to take down those responsible for putting these harmful substances into the hands of local residents.
If you or your loved one are struggling with substance abuse, reach out to Avenues Recovery to receive the help you deserve. Our expert team has helped more than 40,000 individuals overcome their addiction, and they can help you too. Reach out today to begin treatment in a warm and supportive environment.