Police: Fentanyl discovery in North Vernon will save lives

(NORTH VERNON, Ind.) — North Vernon Police made an arrest on Sunday that they say could save numerous people from becoming overdose victims.

Officers were called to the Country Mark gas station on West Walnut Street for a welfare check. 

Police say they found a woman passed out behind the wheel of a running vehicle, and believed she was showing signs of opioid impairment. 

A search led to the discovery of about five grams of fentanyl, methamphetamine and other drug-related items, police said. 

The woman was identified as Jon Marie Little and she was charged with Dealing in Fentanyl, Possession of Fentanyl, Possession of Methamphetamine, Possession of a Legend Drug and Unlawful Possession of a Syringe

North Vernon Police officer Graham Heffelfinger said the five grams of fentanyl represent numerous potential overdoses. 

“A fatal dose of fentanyl can be as little as two milligrams — that is roughly the size of a few grains of salt. The five grams taken off our streets in this arrest represents more than 2,500 potentially lethal doses,” Heffelfinger said. 

He added, “This seizure absolutely saved lives in our community. Every gram of fentanyl removed matters, and we will continue to aggressively target those who bring this poison into North Vernon.”