Currituck deputies arrest two in fentanyl trafficking case as overdose deaths climb in OBX
By ObxLedger
Published Aug 14, 2025
2 min read
The fentanyl crisis continues to grip North Carolina, with the Outer Banks now seeing its own sharp rise in deadly overdoses. State data shows that fentanyl remains the primary driver of opioid deaths, and recent arrests highlight how the drug is making its way into rural coastal communities.
The arrest
On August 9, 2025, Currituck County deputies conducted a traffic stop in the 2700 block of Caratoke Highway for multiple violations. A search of the vehicle led to the arrest of both occupants: Johnny Fuller Jr., 46, and Tracy Page, 39, both of Currituck.
Fuller was charged with two counts of trafficking fentanyl, possession with intent to sell or deliver a Schedule II controlled substance, maintaining a vehicle for drug trafficking, possession of a controlled substance in a detention facility, possession of drug paraphernalia, and unsafe movement. His bond was set at $200,000 secured.
Page was charged with two counts of trafficking fentanyl, possession with intent to sell or deliver a Schedule II controlled substance, maintaining a vehicle for drug trafficking, and possession of drug paraphernalia. She is being held on a 48-hour hold.
Overdose trends in the OBX
While statewide overdose tracking is robust, the Outer Banks has historically faced data gaps. However, what’s available paints a troubling picture:
Dare County: In 2023, 4 overdose deaths were recorded, 1 involving fentanyl. In the first half of 2024, provisional data shows 6 overdose deaths—4 fentanyl-involved.
Currituck County: In 2023, 3 overdose deaths were recorded—all involving fentanyl. In the first half of 2024, provisional data shows 5 overdose deaths—4 fentanyl-involved.
Local health officials estimate that over 80% of overdose deaths in Dare County now involve illicit fentanyl, reflecting the same statewide shift from prescription opioids to synthetic analogs.
Statewide picture
North Carolina reported 4,442 confirmed overdose deaths in 2023, with fentanyl implicated in the majority. Provisional 2024 figures show around 3,025 suspected overdose deaths so far, suggesting numbers may end up lower than the year before—but fentanyl remains the central factor in most cases.
The bottom line
The Currituck arrests represent only a small piece of a much larger crisis. In rural areas like the OBX, even small year-to-year increases in fentanyl-related deaths are significant. Law enforcement continues to target trafficking operations, while health agencies expand harm-reduction measures such as naloxone distribution, fentanyl test strips, and public awareness campaigns.
