ROANOKE, VA — A Virginia State Police investigation that began in Bedford County has resulted in a massive drug and weapons seizure in Roanoke, uncovering a public safety threat of staggering proportions.
On Friday, May 30, special agents arrested 27-year-old Jayshawn Lamonte Lomax after executing a search warrant at a residence in the 2400 block of Broadway Ave. SW in Roanoke. The raid led to the discovery of approximately 1,886 grams of suspected fentanyl—a quantity potent enough to kill up to 943,000 people, given that as little as 2 milligrams of fentanyl can be fatal.
To put that in perspective: that’s more than the entire population of Roanoke, Bedford, Salem, and Vinton combined.
A Lethal Drug Measured in Milligrams
Fentanyl is a synthetic opioid 50 to 100 times more powerful than morphine, commonly prescribed for severe pain but now widely trafficked illegally. Its extreme potency and cheap production cost have made it a leading driver of overdose deaths in the U.S., often killing unsuspecting users who believe they are consuming heroin, cocaine, or counterfeit pills.
“Just two milligrams can shut down breathing and kill a person in minutes,” noted one investigator. “To see this amount—nearly two kilos—in a residential neighborhood is terrifying.”
More Than Just Fentanyl
Alongside the fentanyl, agents seized:
- 1,275 grams of suspected methamphetamine
- 425 grams of marijuana
- Two firearms
- $16,665 in cash
The total estimated street value of the narcotics is around $247,000, according to authorities.
Public Concern and Policy Questions
This bust has reignited community concern over the rise in synthetic opioid distribution in Southwest Virginia. Fentanyl-related deaths have skyrocketed in recent years across the state, and this case highlights how easily massive quantities of the drug can infiltrate residential areas.
“If even a fraction of this made it to the street, the consequences could be catastrophic,” said one Roanoke resident who lives just blocks from Broadway Avenue.
Lomax is currently being held on multiple felony charges related to drug trafficking and firearms possession.
Why Fentanyl Is So Dangerous:
- Tiny amounts are lethal – often invisible to the eye.
- It’s frequently mixed with other drugs – users may not know they’re taking fentanyl.
- First responders can be exposed – even touching fentanyl powder can cause accidental overdose without proper protection.
Authorities encourage the public to report suspicious activity and continue to educate themselves on the dangers of fentanyl.
📢 If you or someone you know is struggling with opioid addiction, reach out to local resources such as the Roanoke Valley HOPE Initiative or call the national helpline at 1-800-662-HELP (4357).