Incidents from an Alabama high school basketball game in 2023 are making waves again. A man is under indictment for allegedly trafficking fentanyl-pressed pills at the game.
The drama unfolded at Grissom High School, where Justin Mitchell was working as a security guard. During the game, he was discovered with pills and a firearm stashed in his vehicle.
According to a report from WAFF.com, Mitchell was arrested in January 2023 by agents from the North Alabama Drug Task Force. The then-25-year-old is facing serious charges: drug trafficking, selling drugs near a school, and possessing a deadly weapon on school property.
What Happened at the High School Game?
Agents took Mitchell into custody smoothly during the basketball game.
“We will not accept anyone bringing dangerous illegal substances onto school grounds,” stated Huntsville Police Department Chief Kirk Giles in an earlier report. “I’m thankful to our NADTF agents for their quick action in preventing any potential harm.”
It was indicated that there was no proof that Mitchell was actively selling drugs to students.
Understanding Fentanyl: The ‘Silent Killer’
Fentanyl is a highly potent synthetic opioid, typically used in medicine for severe pain relief. However, its illegal production is a significant contributor to the opioid overdose crisis sweeping across the U.S.
This drug is 50 to 100 times more potent than morphine or heroin, and as little as two milligrams—about the size of a pencil tip—can be lethal depending on a person’s body size and tolerance.
No Evidence of Student Drug Sales
Jeanne Greer, the principal of Grissom High School, addressed the issue with a statement at the time.
“We were informed about a personnel issue and want to alert you immediately,” she said. “A contract security employee hired for the January 10 game was arrested on campus. For more details, please refer to this news release from Huntsville Police.”
“This behavior is unacceptable; this individual will not be allowed on any school property or at district events moving forward. There is no evidence that any students were involved, but we encourage parents to ensure their children are not in possession of anything potentially harmful. We appreciate the commitment of Huntsville Police to student safety.”
The Grissom boys basketball team has a solid track record with two state championships and over 800 victories, including reaching the finals and making multiple Elite Eight appearances.
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This article was first published on www.si.com/high-school as Security Guard Faces Charges for Alleged Fentanyl Sale at Alabama Basketball Game.
