In response to a recent surge in fentanyl-related overdoses in Austin, the Austin Police Department (APD) conducted a successful sting operation that led to the arrest of five individuals on Thursday. Police have linked these suspects to multiple fentanyl overdoses in the area, according to a press release issued by the APD on Monday.

The arrests were a result of an ongoing investigation into the source of illicit narcotics connected to the recent overdoses. APD announced that further details regarding the sting operation would be provided during a press conference scheduled for 1 p.m. on Tuesday.

Last week, the Austin-Travis County EMS and city officials reported an alarming increase in overdose incidents throughout Austin. A total of 79 suspected overdoses, including nine fatalities, were recorded during this period. Additionally, 438 doses of Narcan, an opioid overdose reversal medication, were distributed by emergency responders.

Arresting documents revealed that alongside crack cocaine, confiscated marijuana also tested positive for fentanyl, a potent synthetic opioid responsible for a significant number of overdose deaths across the United States.

The APD's organized crime division's gang suppression unit focused their efforts on targeted locations known for high narcotics trafficking. During the sting operation, an undercover officer engaged in multiple hand-to-hand transactions for drug purchases.

Specifically, officers concentrated their surveillance near North Lamar Boulevard and Rutland Drive, an area described in police documents as an "active open-air drug market" where several drug deals were observed.

On Thursday, around 2 p.m., the undercover officer was approached by an individual at Cash America Pawn located at 9616 N. Lamar Blvd. The suspect allegedly provided the officer with crack cocaine, accepting $40 in exchange. The individual was identified as 32-year-old Kanady Arkangelo Rimijo and was subsequently apprehended. During a search, police discovered eight bags of marijuana, which also tested positive for fentanyl.

Rimijo now faces charges of Manufacture Delivery of Controlled Substance Penalty Group 1B, a first-degree felony. His bond has been set at $20,000, according to court documents.

In addition to Rimijo, four other individuals were arrested and charged in connection to the fentanyl overdoses. Marcellus Barron, 30, stands accused of second-degree felony delivery of a controlled substance. Gary Lewis, 50, and Denise Horton, 47, face charges of second-degree felony possession of a controlled substance. Ronnie Mims, 45, was charged with a third-degree felony possession of a controlled substance.

The defendants have yet to release any statements or comments, and KXAN is actively working to reach out to their respective attorneys for further information.

KXAN has also attempted to contact APD regarding the frequency of cross-contamination of fentanyl in marijuana, as well as the city's reassessment of the 2020 council policy de-prioritizing low-level marijuana possession charges. Updates will be provided on these inquiries as responses are received.

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