Markus Carter, 20, of Silver Spring. Via Montgomery County Police Department (MCPD).
Following a traffic stop Monday, authorities seized more than 2,000 suspected fentanyl pills in total from a Silver Spring man, according to police.
Markus Carter, 20, of Silver Spring, faces charges including illegal possession of a firearm and possession of a controlled dangerous substance with intent to distribute, per a release from the Montgomery County Police Department (MCPD).
At about 3:15 p.m. Monday, officers conducted a traffic stop on a Mercedes sedan for a traffic infraction in the 12300 block of Georgia Avenue, police said.
Carter was identified as the driver. Officers determined he was driving in violation of his learner’s permit.
Two occupants, 18 and 20 years old, were also in the car.
According to police, probable cause was found to search the vehicle. Inside, police found 250 suspected fentanyl pills and other items that indicated drug distribution. On Carter’s person, police found more fentanyl pills, more than $1,100 and a loaded .45 caliber handgun.
Officers and Special Investigations Detectives executed a search warrant at Carter’s home later that evening. They found an additional 1,800 suspected fentanyl pills, more money and other items that indicated drug distribution.
Carter is being held without bond.
Police said the two other occupants in the car were released without charges.
In a written statement, Police Chief Marcus Jones said, “This traffic stop is an example of excellent work by our 4th District officers. Last year, we lost over 80 members of our community to fatal drug overdoses. This year, we have already lost over 20.”
“Here, we have one arrest with over 2,000 pills seized. We never will be able to truly quantify the number of lives that were saved as a direct result of this traffic stop, but without question, this stop saved lives in our community. Fentanyl overdoses, not to mention the violence associated with drug sales and firearms, are a danger to our entire community, and I commend the work of our 4th District officers and Special Investigations Detectives on their work in this case.”
In recent months, public safety, school and county leaders have highlighted a rise in fentanyl use and overdoses among youth.
According to data from Montgomery County Public Schools (MCPS), 11 youths under the age of 21 died from opioid overdose in 2022, a 120% increase since 2021, when there were five fatal overdoses.
Last Saturday, a second countywide fentanyl forum for families was held at Northwood High School as school officials remain concerned about youth overdoses.
On Wednesday, Health Officer Dr. Kisha Davis explained how the county is approaching opioid overdose prevention. She said while youth are using fewer illicit drugs overall, opioid use has increased.
County Executive Marc Elrich has also spoken out about the issue.
