'Poison Peddler' Teen Had Enough Fentanyl to Kill 1,500 People: Deputies

A Florida teen, called a "poison peddler," was recently arrested for having enough fentanyl to kill more than 1,500 people, according to deputies.

In a press release on Monday, the Flagler County Sheriff's Office said the teen was identified as 18-year-old Jack Edward Fisher. The sheriff's office said that he was arrested on Monday at about 12:40 a.m. local time and was found to be in possession of "3.17 grams of fentanyl, enough to potentially kill 1,585 people."

Over the past several months, law enforcement officials across the nation have continued to work to intercept fentanyl and arrest those found to be possessing and selling it. According to the Drug Enforcement Administration, fentanyl is a synthetic opioid that is up to 100 times stronger than morphine.

Fisher's arrest comes shortly after he allegedly accidentally texted Flagler County Commissioner Joe Mullins, asking if he'd be interested in buying an "eight-ball" of cocaine, the sheriff's office said.

According to the release, after Mullins received the text from Fisher, he immediately contacted Flagler County Sheriff's Office Chief of Staff Mark Strobridge, prompting the sheriff's office to launch an undercover "buy-bust" operation.

"I thank Commissioner Mullins for immediately reporting this poison peddler," Flagler County Sheriff Rick Staley said in the statement.

"His cooperation allowed our SIU detectives to arrange the buy-bust and get this dangerous drug off the streets. This poison peddler is now staying at the Green Roof Inn. It's another example of how 'See Something, Say Something' works."

Mullins also spoke about the incident in the release, saying, "I felt it was my duty to get involved knowing that drug dealers are dangerous people and carry guns many times."

Mullins also noted that he is celebrating his 11th year of sobriety on Tuesday.

"I hope this arrest brings this person to the realization that there is a problem in their life. It is my prayer that is a wakeup call and that he will seek help," Mullins said.

According to the sheriff's office, after deputies were contacted about the accidental text, Mullins provided them with screenshots and eventually set up an in-person arrangement to buy the drugs.

"Fisher was arrested on two charges, including felony possession of fentanyl with intent to distribute and unlawful use of a two-way communications device. He is held on $3,000 bond at the Sheriff Perry Hall Inmate Detention Center," the release said.

Newsweek was directed to the release after reaching out to the Flagler County Sheriff's Office for comment.