A Florida woman, Octavia Wells, faces several criminal charges after mistakenly texting a narcotics investigator instead of her drug dealer. Wells, 41, was charged with unlawful use of a two-way communication device, possession of drug paraphernalia, and driving with a suspended license.
The incident occurred on December 31, when a Bay County Sheriff’s Office investigator received a series of unsolicited text messages from someone identified as “Octavia.” The messages revealed Wells was attempting to purchase fentanyl, a powerful opioid. In her texts, Wells asked for “just a couple points,” referring to one-tenth of a gram of fentanyl, and mentioned she had $45 to spend. She also included details about a meeting location, which was later identified as a gas station in Panama City.
The narcotics investigator, who had previously interacted with Wells, recognized the number and realized it was not her drug dealer’s but his own, as the initials matched. Authorities traced Wells and found her driving on a highway. She was allegedly driving with a suspended license, a fact she had been previously informed about in an earlier police interaction.
Wells eventually arrived at the agreed-upon meeting spot, the gas station, where she stopped at the pumps. As she got out of the vehicle, a deputy approached her. She was detained, informed of her Miranda rights, and questioned. During this process, Wells reportedly admitted she was attempting to purchase fentanyl to use before going to rehab that day. She also explained that she had mistakenly texted the investigator, confusing his number with that of her drug dealer.
A subsequent search of Wells’ vehicle uncovered several items associated with fentanyl use. Among the items found were tin foil used for smoking fentanyl, fentanyl test strips, cut straws, and a digital scale. These items were consistent with drug paraphernalia typically used for the consumption and distribution of fentanyl.
After her arrest, Wells posted bond. As part of her release conditions, she was ordered not to possess or consume alcoholic beverages and to submit to random drug tests. She is scheduled to appear in court on January 30 for further proceedings.
The case highlights both the dangers of fentanyl use and the unintended consequences of a simple mistake. Wells’ confusion of the investigator’s number with her dealer’s serves as a reminder of how small missteps can lead to serious legal consequences, particularly when narcotics are involved. The investigation and arrest also emphasize the ongoing efforts of law enforcement to crack down on the illegal drug trade and prevent the spread of dangerous substances like fentanyl.
