A Cincinnati man is behind bars after a months-long investigation into fentanyl trafficking in central Kentucky, according to the Bluegrass Narcotics Task Force.
Officials say Elijah Hamler trafficked fentanyl from Cincinnati into Harrison County. The investigation began in June when authorities conducted a controlled purchase of what was believed to be heroin from Hamler. Investigators later determined the substance was laced with fentanyl.
During the course of the investigation, law enforcement seized approximately 28,000 potentially lethal doses of fentanyl.
Task force director Mark Burden emphasized the drug’s potency, noting that fentanyl is often the primary cause of overdose deaths due to its extreme strength, even in small amounts.
Authorities say Hamler had outstanding warrants and turned himself in to the Cincinnati Probation Office last Friday. A Harrison County grand jury indicted him on multiple charges, including aggravated drug trafficking and importing fentanyl.
Officials believe removing both Hamler and the seized drugs from circulation could prevent numerous overdoses in the community.
The task force says its efforts have contributed to a significant decline in overdose deaths in Harrison County since its formation in 2018. According to Burden, the county experienced a 95% decrease in overdose deaths last year, and calls for service related to drug incidents have dropped by about 70%.
Residents in downtown Cynthiana expressed relief after learning about the arrest and the removal of the drugs from local streets.
Hamler is currently being held at the Bourbon County Detention Center.