Clay County Organizations Host Fentanyl Prevention Event

The Northland Coalition will hold a free community event for National Fentanyl Prevention and Awareness Day on Thursday, August 21, 2025, from noon to 1:30 pm at Beacon Mental Health’s Community Room (3100 NE 83rd St., Kansas City, MO 64119). Presentations begin at 12:30 pm.

The event aims to increase awareness and promote prevention. The event features information about fentanyl risks, local resources, harm reduction strategies, and personal stories. Resource tables, an interactive activity, networking opportunities, and a light lunch are included.

According to Northland Coalition President Dusty Scheiter, fentanyl is a leading cause of overdose deaths both locally and nationwide.

"Fentanyl continues to be a leading driver of overdose deaths nationwide, including right here in our own communities," said Dusty Scheiter, President, Northland Coalition. "This event is an opportunity to come together, honor lives lost and strengthen our efforts to prevent future tragedies through education, connection, and support."

National Fentanyl Prevention and Awareness Day, founded by Facing Fentanyl, is observed each year on August 21. The day serves to honor those who have lost their lives to illicit fentanyl poisoning and to advance prevention efforts and education regarding the increasing presence of fentanyl in the drug supply.

For more information, contact northlandcoalition@gmail.com or visit Facebook.com/NorthlandCoalition. The event is funded by the Clay County Commission’s Opioid Settlement Fund.

KPGZ News – Brian Watts contributed to this story

Deputies Arrest Fentanyl Dealer After Pursuit, Fire

Clay County Sheriff’s deputies were able to arrest a man for multiple violations after he fled in a stolen vehicle and on foot on Friday, Feb. 28.

Deputies identified a stolen vehicle on 69 Highway in Mosby, prompting a pursuit when the driver refused to stop. The chase ended near the hotel at the entrance to Industrial Drive near North Church Road in Liberty, where the driver veered off the road and fled on foot. The passengers in the vehicle remained at the scene and cooperated with law enforcement.

Employees from nearby businesses assisted deputies by pointing them in the direction the suspect had run. With support from the Liberty, Missouri Police Department, officers located and safely apprehended him.

However, as he fled, the stolen vehicle caught fire. The Liberty Fire Department responded quickly and put out the fire. No injuries were reported from the fire.

One of the passengers later revealed that he had met up with the driver, Johnny J. Peguero-Taveras, to purchase fentanyl and other drugs. Peguero-Taveras now faces felony charges for fleeing from law enforcement and tampering with a vehicle. Authorities also discovered he has outstanding warrants in multiple counties.

KPGZ News – Brian Watts contributed to this story.

Sheriff’s Office Seizes Large Amount of Fentanyl

Clay County Sheriff’s deputies seized enough fentanyl during an arrest last week to kill 327,000 people.

Josiah J. Langston - CLay County Sheriff’s Office Photo

They located and arrested 21-year-old Josiah J. Langston the afternoon of Aug. 15 in the 3900 block of N. Skiles Avenue. They were looking for Langston due to a prior warrant he had for drug trafficking. When deputies approached him, he rammed a patrol car, but he was unable to flee. No one was hurt, and deputies took him into custody.

Inside Langston’s vehicle, investigators located 1.5 pounds of powdered fentanyl, and 0.4 pounds of methamphetamine. They also found $2,000 in cash. Just two milligrams of fentanyl can be a lethal dose, meaning the amount of fentanyl seized could have killed nearly two-thirds of the population of Kansas City, Mo.

Langston has been charged with two counts of first-degree drug trafficking and one count of resisting arrest. This is in addition to his prior drug trafficking charge. He is now in the Clay County Detention Center on a $450,000 bond. Investigation is continuing, and more charges – including federal charges – are possible.

This arrest and seizure were a joint operation conducted by the Clay County Sheriff’s Office’s Drug Task Force and Special Operations Squad.  

Brian Watts contributed to this story.