Newport Overdose Leads To Arrest Of MA Man On Fentanyl, Cocaine Charges

NEWPORT, RI — A Massachusetts man was arrested after Newport police said he sold cocaine laced with fentanyl, which someone overdosed on.

Last month, Newport police and fire officials responded to a drug overdose. Newport police officers administered Narcan, which led to the person's recovery. Through a follow-up investigation, police learned the person who overdosed took what they believed was cocaine, but it was determined the cocaine was mixed with fentanyl.

Following more investigation, police said they discovered the fentanyl-laced cocaine was supplied by Jason Sumner, 49, of Watertown, MA. Police said they also learned Sumner was planning to travel to Newport on Tuesday to sell more fentanyl-laced cocaine.

With the help of Massachusetts State Police, officers put Sumner under surveillance, keeping watch as he traveled from Watertown to Newport. Newport police then stopped Sumner's vehicle. Police said they searched the car and found just over half an ounce of cocaine laced with fentanyl.

Sumner was charged with two felony counts of delivery of a controlled substance. He was arraigned Wednesday in Newport County District Court and was ordered held without bail.

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