News Summary
Eric Bradley Strong, a 43-year-old man, has been indicted in Savannah for multiple murder charges linked to the drug overdose death of Bobby Hughes. The indictment includes felony murder and drug possession charges after Strong allegedly sold a fentanyl-laced substance to Hughes. Despite a decrease in drug overdose deaths in Chatham County, Strong’s case raises ongoing concerns about drug distribution and public safety.
Savannah, Georgia – A 43-year-old man, Eric Bradley Strong, has been indicted on multiple murder charges related to the fatal overdose of Bobby Hughes. The indictment includes charges of felony murder, aggravated involuntary manslaughter, two counts of possession of controlled substances with intent to distribute, criminal attempt to purchase marijuana, and use of a communication device in the commission of a felony.
The grand jury’s indictment states that Strong allegedly sold methamphetamine and fentanyl to Hughes, which directly led to Hughes’ death. The alleged sale occurred on either August 23rd or 24th, 2023. During this drug transaction, Strong reportedly attempted to purchase $115 worth of marijuana. It is claimed that he misrepresented the substance provided to Hughes, which was actually laced with fentanyl, disguised as a controlled substance. Currently, Strong is being held without bond at the Chatham County Jail.
Strong has a documented history of drug-related offenses, with records extending back to 1999. His long history raises further questions about drug distribution and public safety in the region.
In related news, drug overdose deaths in Chatham County are notably decreasing. The county recorded 51 drug overdose deaths in 2024, representing a 25.5% decrease from the 86 deaths in 2023. This marks a continuing trend of reduction, as overdose deaths fell by 7.2% from 2022 to 2023. However, there had been a slight increase from 2021, which recorded 46 deaths.
On a broader scale, the United States witnessed approximately 87,000 drug overdose deaths from October 2023 to September 2024, a decrease of 24% from the previous year’s figure of 114,000 deaths. This national decline sheds light on shifting patterns related to drug use and overdose.
The Director of the Chatham-Savannah Counter Narcotics Team (CNT) attributed the decrease in overdose deaths to several factors, including heightened educational efforts, increased law enforcement focus on fentanyl cases, and the distribution and administration of naloxone (Narcan), an emergency treatment for overdose.
In 2024, seven of the recorded overdose deaths involved a mixture of fentanyl and xylazine, a non-approved sedative for human use known colloquially as “tranq.” Xylazine poses severe health risks, such as reduced heart rate, low blood pressure, and the potential for infections associated with open wounds. The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) has indicated a rising prevalence of xylazine across the United States, particularly in southern states.
While CNT has conducted investigations, it is currently operating with a shortage of approximately 10 sworn positions, maintaining between 40 to 43 staff members from nine different agencies. CNT is also active in supplying Narcan to law enforcement and continues to pursue grant opportunities for wider distribution. Interestingly, the use of Narcan by law enforcement has seen a drop over the past three years, which correlates with the reduction in overdose deaths.
Despite the decline in overdose deaths, the CNT has recorded a decrease in the number of drug-related investigations, conducting 127 in 2024 compared to 148 in 2023. Since 2022, the Chatham County Grand Jury has indicted three individuals for drug-related overdose deaths, including Charles Monroe Rhode, 54, who was indicted for felony murder concerning an overdose death in August 2023, and Tracy Agin, who was convicted of involuntary manslaughter and drug trafficking for selling drugs that resulted in a fentanyl-related overdose.
The CNT remains committed to pursuing justice for families affected by drug-related deaths and continues to emphasize community cooperation in reporting incidents of overdose.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Rising Drug Crisis in Garden City Attracts Attention
Additional Resources
- WTOC: Savannah Man Indicted on Murder Charges
- Savannah Now: Are Drug Overdoses Decreasing in Chatham County?
- WTOC: Savannah Man Indicted Following Fentanyl Overdose Death
- WJCL: First Chatham County Drug Dealer Convicted of Fentanyl Death
- Google Search: Drug Overdose Deaths 2023
Author: STAFF HERE SAVANNAH WRITER
SAVANNAH STAFF WRITER The SAVANNAH STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERESavannah.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Savannah, Chatham County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Savannah Music Festival, St. Patrick's Day Parade, and Savannah Jazz Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Savannah Area Chamber of Commerce and United Way of the Coastal Empire, plus leading businesses in aerospace, education, and logistics that power the local economy such as Gulfstream Aerospace, Savannah College of Art and Design, and Colonial Group. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAtlanta.com and HEREAugusta.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Georgia's dynamic landscape.
