At least 11 New Jersey police officers were exposed to fentanyl while searching a home Thursday, and five people were arrested.
Camden County police executed search warrants at an apartment in the 1000 block of Harrison Avenue in Collingswood and a residence on Eden Hollow Lane in Sicklerville. reports FOX Philadelphia.
During the search of the Collingswood home, 11 officers were exposed to fentanyl and required treatment. HAZMAT teams were called to the scene to assist.
A suspect, identified as Ali Cole, 49, allegedly tried to destroy evidence during the investigation, the Camden County Prosecutor’s Office said. Authorities also found 1,000 bags of fentanyl, $40,000, a semi-automatic handgun and various drug paraphernalia, among other things.
The 11 police officers who were hospitalized have been discharged from the hospital.
The other four men arrested have been identified as Adam Brackenridge, 33. Donnell Horne, 40; and Stephen Thomas, 35; and 45-year-old Teronne Perry.
“First and foremost, we are very thankful that all of the police officers who were exposed to fentanyl have recovered and are all safe and sound,” Camden County District Attorney Grace S. Macaulay said in a statement. “This is just one of the many dangers that the men and women of law enforcement face every day as they work tirelessly to protect our communities from the proliferation of fentanyl and the opioid epidemic. We are very grateful for their service. Together we can overcome this epidemic.”
All five suspects are charged with first-degree possession of a controlled, dangerous substance (CDS) facility and third-degree possession of CDS.
