A search of an Avonmore home led to the seizure of thousands of suspected fentanyl stamp bags after Pennsylvania State Police said some of the drugs were thrown from a second-story window and more were nearly flushed down a toilet.
State police’s vice narcotics unit executed a search warrant Wednesday, Sept. 16, at a home on Indiana Avenue in Avonmore, according to the Westmoreland County District Attorney’s Office. Four people were detained during the search.
Troopers said they noticed an open second-story window and a black satchel lying on the sidewalk below. Inside the bag, investigators found about 118 bricks containing an estimated 5,900 stamp bags of suspected fentanyl.
Police said the bag had been thrown from a bedroom window as officers carried out the search.
Investigators also said they encountered Antoine Barrow, 34, of Pittsburgh, as they entered the residence. According to police, Barrow attempted to flush 15 additional bricks of suspected fentanyl down a toilet.
Authorities also seized a bookbag that allegedly contained more than $10,000 in cash.
According to the Westmoreland County District Attorney’s Office, Barrow told investigators that he was the source of fentanyl in the area. He is facing multiple drug-related charges, including allegations involving possession with intent to manufacture or deliver a controlled substance, drug paraphernalia, proceeds of illegal activity and tampering with evidence.
Barrow was denied bail, according to the district attorney’s office.
The other three people detained during the search have not been identified as facing charges in the information released by prosecutors.
The case remains a criminal proceeding, and the charges against Barrow are allegations. He is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in court.
The investigation follows a search focused on suspected drug activity at the Indiana Avenue residence. Authorities have not publicly provided additional details about where the suspected fentanyl was allegedly headed or whether further arrests or charges are expected.
