Durham, North Carolina — A 28-year-old Durham man was arrested Thursday after authorities seized a kilo of fentanyl, a highly potent synthetic opioid, in what the Durham County Sheriff’s Office calls a significant blow to local drug trafficking.
The suspect, Jerrad Alexander McPherson, was observed engaging in suspicious activity consistent with the sale and distribution of drugs, according to investigators.
Traffic Stop Leads to Pursuit and Seizure of Firearm
Detective S. Dixon attempted to stop a maroon Buick Encore driven by McPherson near Hillsborough and Colemill Roads in northwest Durham. Court documents indicate that McPherson fled the stop, driving recklessly at more than 15 mph over the posted speed limit.
During the short pursuit, McPherson allegedly threw items from the car, which were later recovered. Officers found a stolen 9mm semiautomatic pistol and a small amount of narcotics.
Home Search Uncovers Kilo of Fentanyl
Following the traffic stop, a search warrant was executed at McPherson’s home. Investigators discovered and seized approximately one kilogram of fentanyl. Authorities stressed the staggering potency of the drug: one kilo is enough to potentially kill 500,000 people, exceeding the population of Durham.
Sheriff Clarence Birkhead told CBS 17:
“To remove a kilo of fentanyl off our streets potentially saves 500,000 lives because fentanyl is so potent. An amount that’s the size of a pinhead could kill an individual.”
Suspect’s Criminal History and Current Charges
McPherson was reportedly on federal probation at the time of his arrest and had previous drug possession convictions. Following the arrest, he was booked into Durham County Jail with a $2.5 million bond.
He faces multiple charges, including:
- Trafficking opium or fentanyl
- Possession with intent to manufacture, sell, or deliver fentanyl
- Possession with intent to manufacture, sell, or deliver methamphetamine
- Felony possession of cocaine
- Felony flee/elude arrest with a motor vehicle
- Two counts of maintaining a vehicle/dwelling with controlled substances
- Possession of a stolen firearm
- Possess firearm by a felon
- Possession of drug paraphernalia
Durham’s Opioid Crisis Context
The sheriff highlighted the ongoing impact of fentanyl in Durham County. From January to August 2025, the state reported 44 fentanyl-related deaths in the area. Since 2013, the county has lost more than 500 residents to the opioid epidemic.
Sheriff Birkhead emphasized the importance of prosecuting traffickers to the fullest extent of the law:
“Hopefully now, we’ll put together a good case and present it to the district attorney or to the U.S. attorney’s office because this is trafficking.”
Authorities say removing this amount of fentanyl could prevent a catastrophic number of potential overdoses, illustrating the extreme dangers of the drug even in small quantities.
Community Safety and Awareness
Officials urge the public to remain vigilant about opioid exposure. Due to fentanyl’s extreme potency, even small traces can be deadly, and law enforcement continues to work closely with community organizations to reduce the presence of illicit drugs in neighborhoods.
What Do You Think?
Do you think law enforcement efforts like this can significantly curb fentanyl trafficking in your area?
Share your opinions and insights in the comments.
