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Recorded overdoses in NC down 27% midway through 2026. Local departments warn of fentanyl spike

Read the original article and watch the video on the WRAL News website.

Data from the Department of Health and Human Services shows midway through 2026, North Carolina is seeing a 27% reduction of reported opioid overdoses across state emergency departments.

Between January and June, to include six months of DHHS data, there are 2,031 reported opioid overdoses in the state. That’s down by more than 700 overdoses compared to the same period of time last year.

Illicit opioids, which includes fentanyl, make up more than half of the emergency department visits in the state.

This comes six months after WRAL reported that North Carolina, as a state, saw another consecutive year of declining opioid and fentanyl overdose numbers. An analysis of state health data showed that opioid overdose hospitalizations had decreased by more than 20% in the last year, marking two consecutive years of declining emergency department visits in North Carolina. The same data source shows similar trends for fentanyl positive deaths, which decreased by 24% in the last year.

Even still, local police departments are issuing public safety notices about localized spikes in suspected fentanyl.

In Fayetteville, policer offers report an increase of overdoses believed to be caused by fentanyl in the local community.

“The increase has prompted concern that particularly potent or contaminated illegal drugs may currently be circulating in the Fayetteville area,” a spokesperson for the department said.

This rare spike comes as Cumberland County is experiencing a drastic reduction in overdoses reported to hospitals. Monthly DHHS data shows there are 33 reported cases so far this year, down from 95 over the same window of time last year.

Illicit opioids, which includes fentanyl, make up more than half of the emergency department visits in the state.

Even still, local police departments are issuing public safety notices about localized spikes in suspected fentanyl.

In Fayetteville, policer offers report an increase of overdoses believed to be caused by fentanyl in the local community.

“The increase has prompted concern that particularly potent or contaminated illegal drugs may currently be circulating in the Fayetteville area,” a spokesperson for the department said.

By the numbers: Hospitalizations, deaths track down

Statewide, North Carolina recorded 4,960 emergency department visits related to opioid overdoses in 2025. That marks a 21% decrease in the last year, and a 48% decrease since 2023 when the state recorded a record number of 9,624.

In total, overdose emergency department visits decreased by 14% between 2024 and 2025. Last year’s 10,627 cases still mark a 43% reduction since 2023.

Total Overdose Emergency Department visits

WRAL analyzed data across the Raleigh area, including the North Carolina counties that surround the capital city. Eight counties did not offer county-level reporting. The year-over-year data revealed that rural counties are among those that have seen the largest gains in opioid hospitalization reduction from a per capita standpoint.

“Since the spike stream of the pandemic, we’re following national trends and exceeding national trends. Not only state but county-level data,” Dr. Kelly Crosbie says, Director of DHHS’ Division of Mental Health, Developmental Disabilities, and Substance Use Services

Percent change between 2024 and 2025

Death by distribtion trial begins for man accused of selling fentanyl before Carrboro man’s overdose

Read the original article and watch the video on the WRAL News website.

Jeremiah Hargrove is one of seven people to ever be charged with death by distribution in Orange County.

Three years after a Carboro man died from an overdose, the man accused of selling him the drugs is going to trial.

The charge, death by distribution, is relatively new to the North Carolina court system.

The law has been in effect since 2019, making it relatively new when it comes to a legal sense, and it’s being used all across the state.

Law professionals said it can get very complicated when trying to prosecute someone for selling a deadly dose. Since 2019, when the charge of death by distribution became law, Jeremiah Hargrove is one of seven people to ever be charged with it in Orange County. The charges came after 21-year-old Delise Ndinga Momo died of an overdose.

“If it saves one life, it’s worth it,” said retired judge Carl Fox.

Fox said it has its difficulties in getting through the court.

“You have a little bit of difficulty because the main person you need is deceased,” Fox said.

Fox says to get a conviction there needs to be hard evidence of the sale.

“They are, by their very nature, difficult cases,” Fox said.

Hargrove’s trial is just beginning. The prosecutors will lay out their evidence over the course of the trial’s early days. Court records said he sold indigamomo fentanyl in 2023, less than a week after his 21st birthday.

Family members remembering him as a handsome, talented, strong and generous person according to the GoFundMe they created back then. He’s one of the more than 23,000 North Carolinians to die from an opioid overdose since the death by distribution law was created. In that same time frame, according to the Fentanyl Victims Network, nearly 400 people have been charged in relation to selling the drugs that caused those deaths.

You have to say that it’s accomplishing something, and there should be risks involved for people out there dealing dangerous addictive drugs, because that’s the kind of thing that can kill people,” Fox said.

If Hargrove is found guilty, he faces up to five to six years in prison. That trial is expected to continue throughout the week.

Kinston man charged with death by distribution following woman’s fatal overdose

Read the original article and watch the video on the WITN 7 News website.

KINSTON, N.C. (WITN) – A Kinston man is facing charges following a fatal drug overdose investigation.

Around 8:30 a.m. on April 8th, Kinston police say they were called to the 2400 block of Carey Road for a reported fentanyl overdose.

When they arrived, officers found 28-year-old Andrea Grant unresponsive inside the home.

Emergency crews performed life-saving measures on Grant, and she was airlifted to ECU Health, where she was put on life support.

Kinston officers began an investigation into the overdose and identified 31-year-old Michael Oates as the individual responsible for providing Grant with the drugs.

On April 9th, officers pulled Oates over. He was arrested and found with marijuana laced with fentanyl, marijuana and a gun.

Police say Grant was taken off life support on Saturday and died as a result of her injuries.

Detectives got warrants to arrest Oates for death by distribution following her death.

He was additionally charged with trafficking fentanyl, possession of marijuana and possession of a firearm by a felon.

Oates was served the warrants and remains in the Lenoir County Jail without bond.

North Carolina woman charged in death by distribution case

Read the original article and watch the video on the WYFF News 4 website.

RUTHERFORD COUNTY, N.C. —

A woman in Rutherford, North Carolina, has been charged with death by distribution following an investigation after a victim was found dead in her home.

The Rutherford County Sheriff’s Office said in November 2025, authorities responded to Windy Hill Drive to a report of a cardiac arrest.

Upon arrival, the victim, Pauline Shumpert Scott, was pronounced dead at the scene, and deputies say an investigation into the incident was requested.

On May 11, 2026, a grand jury indicted Kathryn Diane Morrison on charges of 2nd-degree murder and death by distribution.

Deputies found and arrested Morrison on May 19. She appeared before a judge on May 20 and was given a $500,000 secured bond.

Advocates in NC say crisis isn’t over as new data shows sharp drop in fentanyl, overdose deaths

Read the original article on watch the video on the ABC11 News website.

RALEIGH, N.C. (WTVD) — Fentanyl Awareness Day is being observed Wednesday with new data showing a decline in fentanyl-related deaths — and overall overdose deaths — across North Carolina.

An update from the NCDHHS shows overall overdose deaths in the state fell by 34% between 2023 and 2024, the first decline since 2019. Fentanyl-related deaths peaked at just over 3,300 in 2022 and have declined to fewer than 1,500 last year, according to state data from the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner.

Advocates say the progress is a good sign — but they’re clear the fentanyl crisis is far from over.

“We now have over 20,000 fentanyl victims in North Carolina, and the families, the victims families have said enough,” Barb Walsh of Cary said.

Walsh lost her daughter, Sophia, to fentanyl in August 2021. Since then, she’s worked with lawmakers to push for changes and founded the Fentanyl Victims Network of North Carolina to help families navigating similar losses.

“So the deaths are still occurring and it may be less, but those families will not take any comfort in knowing that their loved one was not saved,” Walsh said.

That decline in fentanyl-related deaths is part of a broader drop in overdose deaths across the state. According to NCDHHS, overdose deaths involving all drugs fell from more than 4,400 in 2023 to fewer than 3,000 in 2024.

Walsh credited the progress in part to expanded access to naloxone, a drug used to reverse overdoses, and increased public awareness.

“They’re saying the word fentanyl out loud. They’re talking about the life naloxone. They’re elevating the public discussion about naloxone and fentanyl victims. Deaths More importantly, it is treating the victims and their families with dignity and respect,” she said.

Despite the improvement, Walsh said continued efforts are critical.

“It is not time yet to stop talking about trying to save lives together. The work the government is doing, the opioid settlement funds, law enforcement, district attorney’s harm reduction groups, public health, the families who have started nonprofits, all of you, all of us are needed in order to save lives,” she said.

State officials say counties showing the most progress are those using funds from a $1.4 billion opioid settlement, which requires adherence to specific guidelines and reporting standards to access the money.

While the latest data shows a significant decline, advocates say continued coordination across agencies and communities will be key to sustaining the progress.

Why 72,000 Deaths a Year Is Not a Success Story

Listen to the podcast or watch the video on the Grieving Out Loud website.

With the number of drug overdose deaths dropping, some are celebrating. But is there a risk in declaring victory too early and cutting funding for prevention? Today’s guest on Grieving Out Loud, an addiction researcher at Stanford, says not so fast. About 72,000 overdose deaths a year still exceeds the total number of Americans who died in the Vietnam War.

Dr. Wayne Kepner says not only are far too many people still dying, but celebrating too early could cost more lives. He recently wrote an article titled, “America must not learn to live with 72,000 overdose deaths a year.”

In this episode of Grieving Out Loud, Dr. Kepner shares what history has taught us about past drug epidemics, and how those lessons can guide the path forward while preventing as many deaths as possible.

North Carolina’s backlogged autopsies delaying justice, prosecutors say

Read the original article and watch the video on the WRAL News website.

Despite funding increases and legislative support, North Carolina’s Office of the Chief Medical Examiner remains backlogged due to a national shortage of pathologists and a surge in subpoenas requiring experts to testify in person.

Getting an autopsy report in North Carolina after someone dies can take months. Despite recent funding for the medical examiner’s office, prosecutors say the backlog of autopsies is slowing down justice.

Simply put, the state’s medical examiner’s office is overloaded. A huge influx in funding helped. But what’s straining the system isn’t the caseload now, it’s the courts.

Dorleen Richardson is waiting for an autopsy on her husband, Antony, who was killed by Johnston County deputies on Jan. 25 following a mental health crisis. Her garage is still riddled with bullet holes, reminding her of the day he died.

“His feet were there, and his body was there,” Richardson said pointing to the floor of her garage.

Fentanyl-related deaths decline as trafficking routes remain a threat: sheriff’s office

Read the original article and watch the video on the WLOS ABC13News website.

BUNCOMBE COUNTY, N.C. (WLOS) — Fentanyl-related deaths in Buncombe County have declined from a recent peak, but law enforcement officials say the drug continues to move into the community through established trafficking routes and remains a serious threat.

Data from the North Carolina Office of the Chief Medical Examiner shows Buncombe County recorded 66 fentanyl-positive deaths in 2025, down from 82 in 2024 and significantly lower than the peak of 144 deaths in 2022.

Emergency department data shows a similar trend. Buncombe County recorded 336 overdose-related emergency room visits in 2024, compared to 521 in 2023, according to state health data.

Still, Buncombe County Sheriff’s Office Capt. Chris Stockton said the presence of fentanyl remains widespread.

“It’s funneling in across Buncombe County. There’s not just one singular common spot. It can be anywhere,” Stockton said.

Stockton said what investigators see locally is tied to a broader supply chain driven by demand within the community.

*MARCH 31, 2026 – Buncombe County Sheriff’s Office Capt. Chris Stockton said the presence of fentanyl remains widespread. (Photo: WLOS Staff)*

“You have local folks within the community that know of demand and they just source out to find folks who are eventually linked into much larger organizations,” Stockton said.

Those larger networks often begin outside western North Carolina.

“Most prevalent ones we’re seeing right now are starting at a port in either Charleston or Wilmington,” Stockton said. “They’ll make their way from there to Charlotte, Knoxville, and Atlanta, and from there into our community.”

Investigations into fentanyl cases can begin in several ways, including overdose calls, tips, or information from other agencies.

“All of the above,” Stockton said. “They can start with an overdose, a community complaint, or information from other agencies.”

While deaths have declined in recent years, Stockton said fentanyl remains especially dangerous compared to other drugs.

“With fentanyl specifically, it takes a very, very minute amount to bring very quick, sudden death,” he said. “That was not something that we dealt with 20 years ago.”

Stockton said recent declines in overdose deaths may be tied to factors such as increased availability of naloxone, improved training for recognizing overdoses and expanded response programs in Buncombe County. However, he said those improvements have not eliminated the problem.

*FILE – pictured fentanyl.{ } (Photo credit: Buncombe County Sheriff’s Office)*

“At the same time, those fatalities are tragically still happening very often,” he said.

Law enforcement officials also point to the overlap between drug trafficking and firearms as a continuing concern. Stockton said narcotics operations often involve weapons used to protect drugs and money, increasing the risk of violence.

Even with arrests and enforcement efforts, Stockton said the issue continues to evolve.

“Yes, we do see recidivism very commonly,” he said. “And at the same time, humans are very adaptational creatures. If I’m really good at something and I can make a lot of money doing it, it would take a very significant motivator for me to change my behavior.”

He added that there is no simple solution.

“There is no instant solution to that problem,” Stockton said. “As long as there is a demand, people will find a way to bring the supply.”

Caregivers charged after child tests positive for methamphetamine

Read the original article and watch the video on the WECT 6 News website.

WILMINGTON, N.C. (WECT) – Two people have been arrested after a child was removed from a home deemed unsafe by the Columbus County Department of Social Services.

The Columbus County Sheriff’s Office (CCSO) said it is investigating a child endangerment case after a referral about suspected substance abuse.

CCSO officials said that Lynn Richardson and Katelynn Richardson, the primary caregivers, were charged with exposing a child to a controlled substance and exposing a child to a controlled substance by ingestion.

According to arrest warrants, the child was 6 years old. Investigators allege the child had ingested and been exposed to methamphetamine.

Both caregivers were arrested and are being held on a $35,000 secured bond each.

The incident remains under investigation, and officials said additional charges are possible pending further medical and forensic evaluations.

WNC couple charged after child tests positive for drugs, deputies say

Read the original article and watch the video on the FoxCarolina website.

MCDOWELL COUNTY, N.C. (FOX Carolina) – The McDowell County Sheriff’s Office reports a couple were arrested after child tested positive for drugs.

A detective spoke with 39-year-olds Preston and Bethany Hensley on Jan. 13 after a referral from the McDowell County Department of Social Services, officials said.

Deputies report an investigation led to the children in the Hensley’s home being tested for narcotics exposure. A search warrant was also executed at their residence in Marion before 17 grams of cocaine were located.

Preston & Bethany Hensley(McDowell County Sheriff’s Office)

The Hensley’s were both charged with exposing a child to a controlled substance, possession of cocaine and maintain a vehicle, dwelling or place for controlled substance.

Bethany was issued a $75,000 secured bond on the first charge and a $20,000 secured bond for the other two. Preston was initially denied bond for the first charge due to being out on pretrial release. He was issued a $25,000 bond for the other charges.