GASTON COUNTY, N.C. — A Gastonia woman faces 23 felony charges related to fentanyl trafficking following an investigation by the Gaston County Police Department's Special Investigations Unit.

34-year-old Demetria Ronika Blackmond was arrested after authorities uncovered what they described as a significant fentanyl trafficking operation. The investigation revealed the distribution of more than 3,000 illicit pressed pills and more than 250 grams of fentanyl powder throughout Gaston County, according to police.

The Gaston County Police Department issued a warning about the dangers of pressed fentanyl pills, stating they "are deadly and deceptive" and that "even one pill can kill, especially if a person doesn't know what's in it."

Police said the investigation was part of ongoing efforts t

See Full Page