Fentanyl-Laced Counterfeit Pills Seized, Suspects Arrested: Police

PRINCE WILLIAM COUNTY, VA — Police officers in Prince William County seized 5,000 Fentanyl-laced counterfeit Percocet pills on Sunday. They also confiscated several firearms and arrested four suspects, the police department said in a report on Wednesday.

Last week, two teenagers in the Woodbridge area died of overdoses. Authorities believe their deaths were caused by Fentanyl-laced counterfeit Percocet pills.

Read more: 2 Teen Overdose Deaths Lead To Police Warning About Counterfeit Drugs

"This is part of law enforcement's ongoing joint effort to combat the opioid epidemic in the country," the police department said on Wednesday. "While these pills cannot be definitively connected to the two recent deaths of teens in the county, the investigation into where the pills originated from and who they were sold to continues."

As part of the drug seizure, authorities said they executed search warrants at three locations: 2812 Powell Drive in Woodbridge, 16650 Harwood Oaks Court #204 in Dumfries, and 13389 Millwood Drive in Woodbridge.

Four suspects were arrested in connection with the searches. The four men ranged from 19 to 23 years old.

Walter Alexander Quintanilla Gomez is charged with possession with intent to distribute a schedule I/II narcotic, possession of a firearm with a schedule I/II narcotic, and receiving a stolen firearm. Emerson Giovanni Quintanilla Gomez is charged with possession with intent to distribute a schedule I/II narcotic, possession of a firearm with a schedule I/II narcotic, possession with intent to distribute marijuana, and possession of a firearm with more than a pound of marijuana.

Joel Madina is charged with furnishing a firearm to a minor. Zion Alexander Ryan is charged with possession with intent to distribute a schedule I/II narcotic.

"The Police Department recognizes our youth population as most susceptible to peer influence and pressures," authorities said last week. "We implore parents and guardians to take immediate action to actively engage with their children and loved ones as soon as possible about the dangers of drug use and encourage constructive dialogue to prevent further deaths and illness."

The Prince William County School system and Prince William County Community Services offer support and resources for families. The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration operates a 24/7 hotline at 1-800-662-4357