CLAY COUNTY, Fla. – The Clay County Sheriff’s Office announced 52 arrests Wednesday made during its ”Hammer and Hope initiative. One of those arrested, Cherie House, 31, is charged with manslaughter in a fentanyl overdose last October.
So far this year, county narcotics detectives have seized 470 grams of fentanyl, 450 grams of cocaine and 285 grams of meth.
Captain Stephen Teal with Clay County Fire Rescue talked at the announcement about training and the use of Narcan to save people from overdose death and about the drug takeback program saving lives.
The Clay County Sheriff’s Office also announced a partnership with Hammer and Hope and Clay County Fire Rescue to focus on providing support and resources to people struggling with drug addiction.
“The primary objective of Hammer and Hope is to address the pressing issue of drug overdoses in our community,” Sheriff Michelle Cook said.
“Fentanyl, also called, the silent killer, is 50 times stronger than heroin, and is being mixed with cocaine and methamphetamine,” Cook explained. “Drug addiction, particularly opioids, is an issue plaguing our nation. This crisis has devastated countless lives.”
The third Hammer and Hope event will happen Friday, May 26, at the Church of Eleven 22 in Orange Park off Blanding Boulevard.