What should be one of the safest places for vulnerable residents quickly turned into a drug investigation — after a suspicious substance was discovered inside an assisted living facility.
Staff didn’t hesitate to call for help.
According to a report from the Lawrence County Sheriff’s Office, deputies were dispatched to Wyngate Assisted Living for a drug complaint after an employee reportedly dropped a cigarette pack containing a suspicious substance.
When deputies arrived, a staff member said the item was discovered after an employee dropped a Marlboro cigarette box. Inside, there appeared to be a substance believed to be illegal drugs. The staff member contacted 911 to have it tested.
Deputies conducted a field test on the substance, which returned a positive result for fentanyl, a powerful and potentially deadly synthetic opioid.
The substance was collected, weighed, and secured as evidence at the sheriff’s office.
Facility staff told deputies the employee involved had only been working there for a short period of time. Additional witness statements are expected to be collected, and further information may be added to the report as the investigation continues.
Why This Raises Red Flags
These facilities care for:
- Elderly residents
- Individuals with medical conditions
- People who may be especially vulnerable to exposure
Even small amounts of fentanyl can be dangerous, particularly if:
- It is accidentally touched or inhaled
- It is left in a shared space
- It is accessible to residents or staff
