Man Arrested After Investigation Into Suspected Fentanyl-Related Death in Green District
Detectives are investigating a suspected fentanyl overdose that left a Green District man dead. Evidence led officers to arrest 39-year-old George Perez, who is accused of selling fentanyl shortly before the death. More charges may follow as the case continues.
DOUGLAS COUNTY, Ore. - A suspected fentanyl overdose in the Green District has led to the arrest of a Roseburg man accused of supplying the drugs involved.
The case began early Thursday, December 4, when deputies were called to a home in the 5000 block of Grange Road. Inside the residence, they discovered 34-year-old Zachary Slaymaker deceased. Indicators at the scene suggested the death was drug-related, with fentanyl believed to be the likely cause.
As detectives with the Douglas Interagency Narcotics Team (DINT) retraced Slaymaker’s activity during the previous day, they pieced together his movements and contacts. Their investigation pointed to 39-year-old George Perez, whom they believe sold fentanyl to Slaymaker shortly before his death.
Information developed by investigators indicated that Perez remained in the Roseburg area and was continuing to sell small amounts of fentanyl. On Friday, December 5, at about 4:00 p.m., detectives located Perez in the parking lot of a business on NW Aviation Drive. He was detained without incident. A small quantity of suspected fentanyl was found in his possession, and detectives believe he intended to sell it.
Perez was booked into the Douglas County Jail on the following charges:
- Two counts of Unlawful Possession of a Schedule II Controlled Substance
- Two counts of Unlawful Delivery of a Schedule II Controlled Substance
DINT reports that the investigation is still active, and additional arrests or charges may result.
Why Fentanyl Is So Dangerous
Fentanyl is an extremely potent synthetic opioid—up to 50 times stronger than heroin and 100 times stronger than morphine. A fatal dose can be as small as 2 milligrams, roughly equivalent to a few grains of table salt.
About DINT
The Douglas Interagency Narcotics Team brings together investigators from several agencies, including the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office, Roseburg Police Department, Oregon State Police, the Douglas County District Attorney’s Office, and the Bureau of Land Management.
Supported by the Oregon-Idaho High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area (HIDTA) program, DINT specializes in identifying, disrupting, and dismantling drug trafficking operations across local and regional networks.
Information provided by DINT
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