Patrick Brennan

pbrennan@enquirer.com

The Hamilton County Sheriff's Office Regional Narcotics Unit seized a pink substance during a traffic stop last Friday that later tested positive for heroin mixed with carfentanil and fentanyl.

Police seized 28 grams of a then-unknown substance during the stop that tested positive for the drug mixture that has wreaked havoc on the region in recent weeks.

The test was conducted by a chemist at the Hamilton County Coroner's Office, and the results were returned to officials Thursday. Officials said it was the first sizable seizure by the sheriff's office of heroin mixed with carfentanil and fentanyl, according to a news release.

The seizure occurred on northbound Interstate 75 near Mitchell Avenue. There, police stopped and arrested Kendall Cunningham, 27, who was driving under suspension and with five outstanding warrants. A strong odor of marijuana was detected. Police found marijuana and cocaine during a subsequent search of Cunningham's vehicle.

Cunningham was charged with drug abuse and trafficking in marijuana.

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A passenger in the car – Malik Bowman, 21, of Forest Park – was charged with drug abuse and trafficking related to the marijuana found in the car.

Additional charges against Cunningham and Bowman are being considered following the positive test for heroin. The evidence was presented to a Hamilton County grand jury for consideration.