A quiet patch of woods off Miles Road in Claymont turned into the scene of a major drug find Sunday, when more than 14,000 small bags of fentanyl were discovered bundled into two large "bricks." A child and a young adult came across the stash, flagged a family member, and police soon confirmed the packages held fentanyl. Investigators say they are now reviewing evidence and looking for tips from the public.
How the stash was found
According to a news release from the New Castle County Division of Police, the discovery happened around 5:30 p.m., as the two people were walking near the Radnor Green neighborhood and noticed two grocery bags in a wooded area. They headed back home and a family member called police, who collected the bags and took them to police headquarters for testing, the release states. Officials used the incident to remind residents not to pick up or move suspected narcotics, but to back away and call authorities so the scene stays intact for investigators.
What police say was inside
As reported by CBS Philadelphia, officers ultimately counted 14,088 individually wrapped bags packaged into the two bricks, and testing confirmed the contents were fentanyl. The volume of ready-to-sell doses, packed and left in a public area, highlights how a single hidden stash can carry serious public-health stakes far beyond one neighborhood.
Police safety warning and reporting
The county’s news release urges anyone missing a large quantity of fentanyl, or anyone with information about the stash, to call 302-573-2800, or dial 911 in an emergency. Authorities stress that drugs like fentanyl can be dangerous even in tiny amounts, and that people should keep a safe distance, avoid touching anything, and let trained responders handle suspected narcotics.
Why this matters locally
Fentanyl remains a central driver of overdose harms in the region. According to Spotlight Delaware, New Castle County recorded 222 fatal overdoses in 2024, accounting for more than 65% of all overdose deaths in the state. Health officials say broader access to Narcan and ongoing outreach have helped push deaths down, but warn that large fentanyl caches and new adulterants in the drug supply keep risk levels high. Recoveries like the Radnor Green woods stash may help enforcement, but they also underscore the scale and complexity of the problem for local harm-reduction efforts.
Police comment
In the county’s words, as noted in the release by the New Castle County Division of Police, “While we certainly are not expecting anyone to step forward to claim it, we always welcome any information that can help us keep our community safe.” Officials added that the case remains under active investigation.
Resources and next steps
Officials again caution residents not to touch suspected drugs and to call 911 if they find anything that looks like narcotics. State guidance also recommends wearing gloves and avoiding any disturbance of the area if contact occurs. The Delaware State Police and state health agencies point residents to support options, including Delaware 2-1-1 and the Delaware Hope Line at 1-833-9-HOPEDE (1-833-946-7333), for treatment, counseling, and referrals. Community members are encouraged to share tips with law enforcement to assist investigators and support broader overdose-prevention work.
