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Like many communities across our nation, Beaufort County has felt the harmful impacts of fentanyl and other dangerous drugs that have resulted in numerous overdoses and unfortunately, overdose deaths.

Beaufort County experienced 159 overdoses in the year 2022 with 7 resulting in death.  In 2023 Beaufort County experienced 140 overdoses with 9 resulting in death.  As of December 31st, Beaufort County had a total of 120 overdoses for the year 2024 resulting in 5 deaths.

With fentanyl still pouring into our country, the decreasing overdose numbers can be attributed to the united efforts of law enforcement, treatment programs, community partnerships, and public awareness efforts.  Sheriff Hammonds has taken a firm stance in the fight against these drugs through proactive enforcement on drug dealers and public education on the dangers of fentanyl.

The Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office has partnered with community leaders through the Beaufort County Behavior Health Task Force and provided resources at Community In Action Events held throughout Beaufort County to give residents information on these dangerous drugs and their effects.  The Beaufort County Detention Center provides Medication Assisted Therapy MAT to inmates who suffer from addiction.  This treatment gives incarcerated individuals the opportunity to overcome addiction and reduce recidivism.

During the past 12 months, the Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office Drug Unit seized nearly 3,000 fentanyl laced pills and 427 grams of powdered fentanyl off the streets of Beaufort County.  Stopping the influx of fentanyl into Beaufort County is also a top priority for the Sheriff’s Office Patrol Division.  Through proactive enforcement, the Patrol Division has made 57 felony drug arrests this past year.  Sheriff Hammonds and his team will continue to work toward reducing overdoses and overdose deaths in 2025.

Sheriff Hammonds asks anyone with information regarding suspected drug sale/use or any other crime to contact the Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office at (252) 946-7111.  You can also submit tips anonymously by contacting Beaufort County Crime Stoppers at (252) 974-6400 or submit your confidential tip through the Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office App by selecting Submit A Tip.