During a drug bust operation in Greensburg, an officer accidentally ingested an unknown white powder causing his lips and throat to become numb. Officers then proceeded to arrest three individuals on suspected drug dealing charges. As of last reports, the arrested individuals — a 36-year-old man, a 27-year-old woman and a 39-year-old woman — were being held at the Westmoreland County Prison.
The drug-related investigation and arrests were prompted when police issued a parking ticket at a Greensburg intersection to a man who had left his vehicle in the intersection. While issuing the ticket, police received information that a woman wanted in Allegheny County — the 39-year-old referenced above — was in a home close by where a drug overdose fatality had occurred in early July.
The 39-year-old gave police permission to enter and search her residence. That’s when authorities found the other two individuals in a bedroom with suspected drug packaging paraphernalia. One of the investigating officers opened a shopping bag in the bedroom, which caused white powder to fly into the air. He then developed a numbness and odd taste in his lips, mouth and throat. According to the latest reports, the effects of the substance eventually wore off.
After further searching, police say that they found 7 ounces of white powder, heroin and crack cocaine. They also found cellphones and cash in the amount of $110. Police say that they sent the white powder to a lab for further testing.
It’s not clear whether all three individuals in this alleged drug crimes case will be charged and/or found guilty of drug crimes. Before any convictions occur, each of these individuals will be entitled to a criminal defense. If you or your loved one has been charged with any kind of crime, it’s important to remember that you will remain innocent of the charges until — and only if — the prosecution proves you to be guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in court.