PANAMA CITY — Investigators recorded the largest street seizure of heroin on Bay County books following the death of local man from overdose, the Bay County Sheriff’s Office announced Thursday.
Three arrests and seizure of about 56 grams of heroin followed the death of 28-year-old Justin Roberts. Other heroin-related arrests are expected by BCSO in connection with a heroin distribution ring within Bay County.
However, further charges directly related to Roberts’ death could be likely, according to Major Tommy Ford.
“That is an element of this case that is under investigation,” Ford said. “If you provide the means of either the paraphernalia or narcotics and somebody dies, you could be charged with their death.”
Pending toxicology reports, BCSO has no way of determining how many overdoses in the county have been due to heroin. But officers arrived to find Roberts with a needle in his arm, Ford said. Three arrests have now been made in connection to the death investigation.
Investigators learned that John Joseph Benton, 28, delivered drug paraphernalia used specifically for intravenous drug use to Roberts prior to his death. Benton was arrested Monday on a charge of delivery of drug paraphernalia. Additional charges could follow, BCSO said.
Investigators also developed information revealing others may be involved in a heroin distribution ring in Bay County.
The next day, officers served a search warrant on the home of 24-year-old Guy (Sonny) Hardaway. At the same time, investigators were following up on other leads related to the investigation and stopped a vehicle driven by 31-year-old Stephen Martin Combs.
Combs had a suspended driver’s license at the time, and investigators found 56 grams of uncut heroin in his possession, BCSO reported. He was charged with trafficking in heroin, driving while license suspended and possession of drug paraphernalia.
Hardaway was later arrested on a warrant for possession of heroin with intent to deliver, possession of benzodiazepine, possession of alprazolam, manufacture of drug paraphernalia, possession of drug paraphernalia, and possession of marijuana, less than 20 grams.
Trafficking in more than 28 grams of heroin carries a minimum mandatory sentence of 25 years in prison. The heroin confiscated in this case has a street value of over $13,000 and is the largest street seizure of heroin ever in Bay County.
“We are very concerned with seeing heroin in our community,” Ford said. “It’s a very addictive and destructive drug. We’ll be aggressively pursuing harsh punishment for people arrested in connection with this narcotic.”