[ May 18, 2020 ] The Cherokee Multi-Agency Narcotics Squad (CMANS) announces the arrest of an individual connected to heroin and fentanyl distribution in Pickens, Cherokee and Gilmer Counties.

On April 26, 2020, two overdose deaths occurred, one in Gilmer County and one in Cherokee County. Investigative leads developed in the overdose deaths from the Gilmer Sheriff?s Office, the Cherokee Sheriff?s Office and the Pickens Sheriff?s Office lead CMANS Agent to a location on Old Burnt Mountain Road in Pickens County. On April 30, 2020, CMANS agents conducted a knock and talk operation at the residence of Kevin Jordan located on Old Burnt Mountain Road, in Jasper, Georgia. A search of the residence yielded baggies containing unknown powders. Field testing by CMANS Agents indicated that the two substances were suspected heroin and suspected fentanyl. Agents are continuing to follow leads in this case.

Fentanyl is a narcotic used as an analgesic and anesthetic. It is the most potent opioid available for use in medical treatment - 50 to 100 times more potent than morphine and 30 to 50 times more potent than heroin. Fentanyl is potentially lethal, even at very low levels. Ingestion of small doses as small as 0.25 mg can be fatal. Its euphoric effects are indistinguishable from morphine or heroin.

Kevin Jordan, 51 year of age, was charged with Possession of a Schedule One Drug (Heroin) and Possession of a Schedule Two Drug (Fentanyl).

The Cherokee Multi-Agency Narcotics Squad is a joint task force working in Cherokee County and Pickens County to investigate drug related violations. Participating agencies include the Cherokee Sheriff?s Office, the Pickens Sheriff?s Office, the Canton Police Department, the Woodstock Police Department, the Holly Springs Police Department, the Ball Ground Police Department, the Cherokee County Marshal?s Office, the District Attorney?s Office for the Blue Ridge Judicial Circuit, the District Attorney?s Office for the Appalachian Judicial Circuit and the Georgia State Patrol.

Citizens may call in tips anonymously to (770) 345-7920 or may speak to an agent by calling (678) 493-7625.