A man and woman have been apprehended in Hawaii for their alleged involvement in supplying fentanyl that led to a tragic overdose incident at a Waikiki hotel, resulting in two fatalities. The incident unfolded on June 4th at the Outrigger Reef Waikiki Beach Resort, where authorities discovered five individuals in dire condition, either unresponsive or requiring immediate medical attention. One man was declared deceased at the scene, while another succumbed to the effects of the overdose later at a hospital. Three other individuals survived the ordeal.
The suspects, Avery Garrard and Keina Drageset, were taken into custody on Friday and now face charges of conspiring to distribute fentanyl resulting in death, according to court documents. The surviving victims informed Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) investigators that they were under the impression they were using cocaine or MDMA and were unaware of the presence of fentanyl.
Cooperating sources, yet to be charged, identified Garrard and Drageset as the fentanyl suppliers. A search of their upscale Honolulu apartment yielded approximately $100,000 in cash and substances that tested positive for fentanyl. The arrests were made shortly thereafter. Attorneys representing Garrard and Drageset have declined to comment pending their court appearance. Fentanyl, a potent opioid significantly stronger than heroin, is often prescribed for severe pain management but is also prevalent in the illicit drug market, often mixed with other substances. Its increasing presence in street drugs is a major factor contributing to the rise in overdose deaths across the U.S. The Outrigger Reef Waikiki Beach Resort stated their full cooperation with law enforcement and their commitment to upholding the highest safety and security standards for their guests and staff.
