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Rising Drug Crisis in Garden City Attracts Attention

Local police addressing the increasing drug crisis in Garden City.

News Summary

Garden City, Kansas, is experiencing a troubling increase in drug-related incidents, with notable police drug seizures and rising overdose cases. Recent events include a traffic stop that uncovered significant amounts of marijuana and ecstasy. Local authorities are heavily focused on addressing the fentanyl crisis. Meanwhile, community organizations are providing resources like Narcan training to combat the growing epidemic. The alarming situation underscores the need for continued law enforcement efforts and public health initiatives to ensure community safety and wellness.

Garden City, Kansas, is facing an alarming rise in drug-related incidents as the local police department reports significant seizures and an increase in overdose cases. On July 8, 2025, the Garden City Police Department (GCPD) conducted a traffic stop that uncovered felony amounts of marijuana and multiple ecstasy pills within the vehicle of a speeding driver. This incident highlights the ongoing challenges the community faces with drug abuse and the dangers of potent substances.

The stop was initiated by Officer Hanafin, who pulled over a vehicle traveling at 77 miles per hour in a 45 miles per hour zone. Authorities seized both illegal drugs and cash in the process. The police have not reported the driver’s identity or any charges at this time. This traffic stop is part of the department’s broader efforts to address drug use and overdose concerns in Garden City.

In a troubling context, the same weekend that the traffic stop occurred also saw four overdose incidents reported within a 24-hour span in the city. Thankfully, none of the individuals involved succumbed to their overdoses, according to GCPD reports. However, public information officers, including Erinn Reyes, noted that there are likely many more unreported cases in the area, suggesting a rising and pervasive issue with substance misuse.

Callie Dyer, a representative from LiveWell Finney County, stressed that the fentanyl epidemic remains a significant concern in the region. Since the establishment of an overdose task force in 2017, local authorities have been actively working to mitigate the effects of this public health crisis. The state of Kansas reported a staggering peak of 738 overdose deaths in 2022, with 412 of those cases attributed directly to fentanyl—the potent synthetic opioid often found in counterfeit prescription drugs.

GCPD’s investigations indicate that many cases of fentanyl-related overdoses in Garden City are linked to pills that are not what they appear. By studying trends across the East Coast, police can better predict surges in overdose incidents affecting rural Kansas towns. In response to this alarming trend, Narcan, an overdose-reversing medication, is available for free throughout Garden City. LiveWell offers free training on how to use Narcan effectively, emphasizing community readiness to combat overdoses.

In a separate case, Daquan Booker from West Babylon has been indicted for his role in providing drugs related to a local teenager’s fatal overdose. Grace Wrightington, a 17-year-old, died after ingesting oxycodone pills that were allegedly sold to her by Booker. She was discovered in her bedroom following an overdose on July 4, 2023, shortly after meeting with him. Investigators recovered blue MH 30 pills from her purse, confirming they contained fentanyl.

The Nassau County District Attorney’s office reported that overdose deaths are becoming increasingly prevalent, with hundreds occurring each year. As indicated by statistics, 170 deaths were recorded in Nassau County last year, with 151 linked to fentanyl. Legal challenges in prosecuting drug dealers like Booker stem from the difficulty in proving their knowledge of fentanyl lacing. Booker faces serious charges, including Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance in the Third Degree and Criminal Sale of a Controlled Substance in the Third Degree. His next court appearance is scheduled for November 13, marking an important date in the ongoing fight against drug-related crime.

The incidents in Garden City and the broader Kansas area serve as a stark reminder of the escalating drug crisis, particularly with the presence of fentanyl and other illicit substances. As local families and authorities grapple with these challenges, community initiatives and law enforcement efforts remain crucial in combating the epidemic and ensuring the safety and well-being of residents.