Accused Heroin Dealer Charged With Possessing 'Gray Death'

WOODSTOCK, GA — The Cherokee Multi-Agency Narcotics Squad said it has arrested a drug dealer accused of possessing a dangerous combination of heroin known as gray death. Schamell Anthony Powell of Marietta was arrested on Monday, May 7 and charged with possession of heroin with the intent to distribute.

CMANS agents received a tip from a resident who said Powell was allegedly selling heroin in the Woodstock area. Cherokee Sheriff's Office deputies and agents began to watched Powell as he crossed into the city, and approached him at the Woodstock Commons Shopping Center at 9425 Highway 92, according to the CMANS Facebook page.

The investigation revealed that Powell was allegedly in possession of roughly 2.5 grams of gray death. According to the Georgia Bureau of Investigation, the compound is usually made up of heroin and fentanyl. The solid material looks like gray concrete mixing powder, with texture variations from light and powdery to chunky and rock-like, the GBI previously said.

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“We are committed to making Cherokee County a terrible place to deal drugs," said CMANS Commander Phil Price. "And the CMANS is committed to working with the Accountability Courts, the health care community, and all our partners in various disciplines to address this awful problem.”

Cherokee Sheriff's Office spokesperson Sgt. Marianne Kelley said Powell was released from the Cherokee County Adult Detention Center on Wednesday, May 9 after posting a $4,875 bond.

Powell's arrest is part of an initiative spearheaded by the newly formed Cherokee Multi-Agency Narcotics Squad Heroin/Opiate Team, or H.O.T. The team was formed to fight the influx of heroin and other opioids in Cherokee County. Agents assigned to the team have special training with investigating prescription fraud/forgery, diversion, heroin and synthetic opioids.

The Cherokee Multi-Agency Narcotics Squad is a joint task force working in Cherokee County to investigate drug related violations. Participating agencies include the Cherokee Sheriff’s Office, Canton Police Department, Woodstock Police Department, Holly Springs Police Department, Ball Ground Police Department, Cherokee County Marshal’s Office, District Attorney’s Office for the Blue Ridge Judicial Circuit, and Georgia State Patrol. Citizens may call in tips anonymously to (770) 345-7920 or may speak to an agent by calling (678) 493-7625.

Photo: Schamell Anthony Powell. Credit: Cherokee Sheriff's Office