Police: Pills found in traffic stop contain suspected fentanyl

More than 500 pills that police discovered in a traffic stop tested positive for the presence of fentanyl, Morgan City police said.

Herman Yvette Gatewood, 46, Federal Avenue, Morgan City, was arrested at 9:36 a.m. Saturday on charges of possession of fentanyl, disregard of traffic controls, improper equipment and no driver’s license.

The Police Department said officers saw a vehicle traveling in the Federal Avenue area fail to stop at a stop sign, and saw that it had improper equipment. The vehicle, driven by Gatewood, was stopped.

She did not have a valid driver’s license, police said.

According to reports, officers saw green pills scattered on the seat, the center console and the floorboard, police said. They collected more than 529 pills suspected to be alprazolam, the antidepressant sold as Xanax. Field testing indicated the presence of fentanyl, they said. The total weight of the pills was more than 5 ounces.

Gatewood was transported to the Morgan City Jail, where she was booked. Bail was set at $201,500.

Fentanyl is deadly, Police Chief Chad M. Adams said in a press release.

“The Morgan City Police Department and other agencies in our area have seen an influx of overdoses believed to be linked to fentanyl. We are seeing the pills that are being pressed with fentanyl and even cases where heroin has been cut with the drug.

“Please understand the dangers of this drug. It only takes a small amount to kill. This is not only an epidemic in our area, but all over the country. Parents, please educate yourselves with the latest drug trends.

“It may save a life.”