DEA Seizes Massive Amount of Fentanyl at University City Apartment

By Austin Schoonmaker | October 5, 2019

After investigators searched the apartment of a chemistry professor who died of an overdose last Friday, they were met with one of the biggest stashes of fentanyl seen so far in San Diego. Prosecutors say the amount was so large, it could have killed nearly the entire population of the city of San Diego. 

Five pounds of the deadly opioid fentanyl, along with an amount of its more potent derivative, carfentanil, were seized by the DEA Narcotics Task Force Agents. Agents also found an assortment of drug manufacturing equipment, including a pill press, powder, liquids, and dyes used to make street narcotics. 

Deputy District Attorney Jorge Del Portillo said the amount of fentanyl product seized was sufficient enough to kill 1.5 million people. Fentanyl is 50 to 100 times more potent than morphine, capable of making users overdose with a very small amount. 

Even more so dangerous is the carfentanil that was found in the apartment. Carfentanil, a derivative of fentanyl, is 100 times more potent capable of producing an overdose with only a few grains. It is so powerful, the drug is used to tranquilize large mammals, including elephants. The drug has posed a serious threat to first responders who can experience its detrimental effects if accidentally touched or inhaled. 

Police were called to the apartment last Friday morning after it was reported that a man and woman overdosed on fentanyl. The man, identified as Gregory Bodemer, was pronounced dead at the scene. The woman, Rose Griffin, was taken away in an ambulance and ended up recovering. She was arraigned on Wednesday on charges of possession and distribution. Griffin told prosecutors she had been lacing her vaping cartridges with fentanyl, which had led to her overdose. 

The man who died in Friday’s Fentanyl overdose has been identified as Gregory Bodemer. A chemistry teacher and father of two young kids. His apartment still off limits even after 12 hours of cleaning from hazmat crews. #NBC7 pic.twitter.com/TUz9GGp4in

— Gaby Rodriguez (@GabyR_news) September 30, 2019

A hazmat crew was called in to help clear and decontaminate the unit. The apartment continues to remain off-limits, seen with caution tape and warning sign taped to the door. 

Officials warn that anyone who encounters pressed pills with a cat face or silhouette of a woman should steer clear of them. They have a good chance of containing fentanyl or the even deadlier carfentanil.