LEANDER, Texas – Authorities in Williamson County, Texas have arrested Marek Dillard in connection with a fentanyl-related death that occurred in September 2023. The arrest comes as part of a crackdown on fentanyl-related crimes, following the passage of a new bill by Texas lawmakers.
The Williamson County Sheriff’s Office responded to an alleged overdose death on Snelling Drive in Leander and discovered a 40-year-old man dead, with pills containing fentanyl at the scene. The organized crime unit’s investigation led to Dillard being connected to the sale of the pills. Dillard now faces charges of murder and possession of a controlled substance.
Dillard’s arrest coincides with the enactment of a new bill in Texas that allows prosecutors to seek murder charges in connection to fentanyl-related deaths. The bill, which came into effect on September 1, 2023, also imposes harsher penalties for the sale and distribution of fentanyl.
This arrest underscores the efforts of law enforcement to combat the growing issue of fentanyl-related deaths in the state. Texas is among several states that have been grappling with a surge in fentanyl-related overdoses and fatalities in recent years. The passage of the new bill reflects a broader trend of jurisdictions across the country taking a tougher stance on fentanyl-related crimes.
Dillard’s arrest and the implementation of the new bill mark significant developments in the ongoing battle against the opioid crisis. The swift action taken by authorities sends a strong message about the serious consequences of dealing in fentanyl, which has emerged as a major public health concern in communities across the nation.