Operation allegedly uncovers drug dealing by employee at local gas station

FORT WALTON BEACH, Fla. – Police arrested a woman employed at a Fort Walton Beach gas station/convenience store for allegedly dealing drugs after several overdoses occurred near the business recently.

Joanne Faulkner, 48, of Fort Walton Beach, was charged with possession of fentanyl with intent to distribute within 1000 feet of a church, possession of methamphetamine with intent to distribute within 1000 feet of a church, and sale, manufacture, or delivery of fentanyl within 1000 feet of a church, said the Fort Walton Beach Police Department (FWBPD).

The FWBPD says that its Special Investigations Unit searched the Circle K gas station at 65 Miracle Strip Pkwy SE after getting a search warrant. A long-term investigation reportedly led detectives to suspect that Faulkner was dealing fentanyl from inside the store. During the investigation, detectives obtained the warrant after several non-fatal drug overdoses occurred in the area surrounding the business.

During the search, detectives said they found 16 separate bags. Eight of the bags were said to have fentanyl in them, and the other eight were said to have methamphetamines in them.

Faulkner was arrested on September 9 and taken into custody.

Anyone with additional information on this or any other narcotic-related case is encouraged to contact the Fort Walton Beach Police Department at 850-833-9546 or the Emerald Coast Crime Stoppers at 850-863-8477.