According to the NCDHHS, over 11 North Carolinians died each day from a drug overdose in 2022. From 2000-2022, more than 36,000 North Carolinians lost their lives to drug overdose. During 2023, Union County Sheriff’s Office deputies, detectives, and crime scene investigators saw a significant increase in the number of 911 calls pertaining to opioid overdoses, primarily involving illicit fentanyl. In 2023, UCSO personnel responded to approximately 168 overdose calls with 32 of these calls resulting in the death of the narcotics user despite the rescue efforts of local first responders. Sadly, this number represents 32 local lives lost too soon due to experimental drug usage and substance abuse addiction and 32 local families who are mourning the unexpected loss of their loved ones.

2023’s troubling statistics represent a 17% increase in overdose calls and a 166% increase in opioid overdose deaths versus 2022’s statistics for our area. The UCSO works closely with the Office of the Medical Examiner to identify the cause of death in these cases, which is nearly always fentanyl consumption, but the marked increase in opioid-related deaths across the state has created a significant backlog resulting in a lengthy delay of blood toxicology testing and results analysis. The increases in opioid overdoses and overdose deaths across NC are primarily attributed to the saturation of illicit, street-pressed fentanyl pills being sold by narcotics suppliers and traffickers.

To combat this rise in overdose cases and tragic deaths, the Union County Sheriff’s Office remains focused on identifying and apprehending narcotics traffickers and suppliers attempting to sell their deadly substances to our residents. The UCSO, in conjunction with the Union County District Attorney’s Office, remains one of the most proactive law enforcement agencies in the state in holding narcotics suppliers accountable for their actions by utilizing the felony offense of Death by Distribution (NCGS 14-18.4). In addition to our investigation and apprehension efforts, the UCSO also spends a great deal of time educating our youth about the dangers of substance abuse. In addition to our education efforts, our personnel often refer narcotics users to local resources for recovery assistance and support.

Sheriff Eddie Cathey adds, “Fentanyl is everywhere in our nation, and sadly, Union County is not immune to its effects. It is heartbreaking to see local families mourn the loss of their loved ones who made one wrong decision that cut what was sure to be a promising life short and we need local parent's help in educating our teenagers and young adults on the deadly consequences that consuming illicit narcotics may have. I encourage anyone who needs support with substance abuse addiction recovery to contact us so that we can refer them to the proper resources for assistance and we will continue to seek out and arrest the narcotics traffickers who prey on others with no regard for human life”.

If you or someone you know is dealing with substance abuse addiction, please contact one of the organizations listed below for assistance. If you witness any type of criminal activity, especially activity related to the sale of deadly narcotics, please call 911 immediately.

Local Substance Abuse Recovery Resources

Ground 40
(704) 883-5185
www.ground40.com

Bridge to Recovery
704-909-8025
help@thebridgetorecovery.org

House of Pearls
704-324-0028 (house)
HouseofPearlsMinistry@gmail.com

Dove’s Nest
704-333-HOPE (4673), ext. 501
admissions@charlotterescuemission.org

Daymark Recovery Service
www.daymarkrecovery.org
(704) 635-2080

UCSO Point of Contact for this Press Release is Lt. James Maye at (704)506-6843