Stafford Deputies Bust Suspected Dealer After Fatal Overdose: Dangerous Drugs Seized: Sheriff

A Fredericksburg man is behind bars after a fatal overdose investigation led to the seizure of dangerous drugs in Stafford County.

Patrick Small
Photo Credit: *Stafford County Sheriff*

Zak Failla

12/20/2024 10:21 a.m.

On Sunday, Dec. 15, Stafford County deputies responded to a suspected overdose death in North Stafford, according to the sheriff’s office.

Detectives with the Special Investigations Unit joined the case, which soon prompted an operation involving the county SWAT Team.

On Wednesday, investigators conducted a traffic stop near Warrenton Road and South Gateway Drive, where detectives seized heroin, 90 fentanyl pills, and xylazine, a veterinary tranquilizer often linked to fatal overdoses.

Patrick Small, 44, of Fredericksburg was arrested during the investigation and charged with:

Distribution of fentanyl;
Distributing fentanyl as a weapon of terror;
Possession of heroin;
Possession of xylazine.

Small is being held at the Rappahannock Regional Jail without bond.

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