SAINT MARY’S SHERIFF STEVE HALL SHOWS OFF BIG BUST WITH DANGEROUS DISPLAY OF FENTANYL IN A PUBLIC PLACE

St. Mary’s Sheriff PIO ALisa Casas went to Boston for a week to learn how to stage public relations events.

A dramatic display of seized fentanyl by Sheriff Steve Hall, Clay Safford, and Shawn Moses in the public lobby of the sheriff’s department has drawn widespread criticism and concern. The quantity of fentanyl, described as enough to “kill all of St. Mary’s County,” raised alarms not just for its intended shock value but for the potentially catastrophic risks posed by transporting such a deadly substance into a public space.

Critics slammed the decision as reckless, highlighting the dangers of accidental exposure to fentanyl, a synthetic opioid so potent that even a few airborne particles or skin contact can result in serious injury or death. Experts warned that the mishandling or unintended contamination of the area could have endangered the lives of anyone in or near the display.

“Fentanyl is one of the deadliest substances known,” said a local health official. “Bringing this much of it into a public space, even under controlled conditions, is irresponsible. The risks of accidental exposure or contamination are too great to justify this spectacle.”

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The haphazard nature of the display further heightened concerns, with some questioning whether sufficient safety protocols were in place to prevent a catastrophic incident. Community members expressed outrage that the sheriff’s department would prioritize shock value over the safety of its staff and the public.

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“This isn’t just a bad decision; it’s dangerous,” said a local activist. “If even a small amount of fentanyl had been accidentally released or mishandled, it could have harmed or killed many people. The fact that this was done in a public lobby makes it all the more egregious.”

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Critics pointed out that the display could have been conducted in a controlled setting, such as a secured facility or a press briefing room, which would have ensured public safety while highlighting the hard work and success of the men and women who put their lives on the line to make the bust. Unlike Hall, Safford, and Moses—who often hide from real public accountability—these officers did the work and achieved the results without needing dangerous theatrics to justify their efforts.

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Many argue the display is part of a pattern of Sheriff Hall attempting to play catch-up for poor public relations, using high-profile stunts that often fail to address the community’s more profound issues. Critics say this latest effort not only sensationalized the opioid crisis but also needlessly put lives at risk.

“Displays like this don’t solve anything,” said one resident. “They distract from real solutions like funding addiction treatment, mental health services, and overdose prevention programs. And worse, this stunt endangered the people it was supposed to inform.”

The opioid epidemic continues to devastate communities nationwide, including St. Mary’s County. Public health advocates and residents stress that combating this crisis requires more than flashy displays—it demands meaningful investments in prevention, treatment, and education.

The incident has left many questioning the judgment and priorities of the sheriff’s department senior administration, with some calling for greater oversight to ensure public safety is never again jeopardized in the name of publicity. For now, the display serves as a grim reminder of the fine line between awareness and recklessness—and the devastating consequences of crossing it.