Councilwoman Demetrus Coonrod released the following statement in regards to the seizure by the Chattanooga Police Department of firearms and fentanyl pills in East Chattanooga:
"The recent operation conducted by the Chattanooga Police Department in the 500 block of North Hawthorne Street has laid bare a stark and dangerous reality: the presence of deadly fentanyl and illegal firearms in our community is a stark reminder of the criminal activity threatening the safety of our neighborhoods and a threat we cannot ignore.
The seizure of approximately 10,000 fentanyl pills and eight firearms, including several stolen weapons and machine gun conversion devices, is not just an alarming statistic—it’s a call to action.
"Fentanyl is one of the most lethal substances devastating communities across this country, and Chattanooga is no exception. The amount recovered in this operation could have caused countless overdoses and untimely deaths. Just two milligrams of fentanyl can be enough to kill a person. Imagine the destruction 10,000 pills could have caused in our community. This is a poison that targets our most vulnerable—young people, families and those battling addiction. We are in the midst of a public health crisis, and every pill that finds its way into our neighborhoods could result in a fatality.
"I commend the Chattanooga Police Department, SWAT, Narcotics Unit, K-9, Drone Team and Neighborhood Policing for this critical operation. Their work saved lives and prevented bloodshed on our streets. But this raid also exposes a deeper problem that we as a community must confront: the involvement of our youth in gun violence and the drug trade.
"However, it’s equally important to recognize the ages of the individuals involved is nothing short of heartbreaking. These young people are being lost to a life of crime, violence and addiction before they even have a chance to live. This is a serious crisis that goes beyond law enforcement—it is a moral and social emergency that requires urgent, community-wide intervention.
"The challenges are significant, but so, too, is our resolve. The people of Chattanooga deserve to live in safe neighborhoods, free from the threat of violence and drug abuse. Wednesday's seizure was a step in the right direction, and we must continue to be vigilant and work together as a community to protect the safety and future of our city.
"Thank you again to the brave men and women of the Chattanooga Police Department for their tireless work to keep our streets safe."