McKinleyville Woman Arrested After Overdose, 31 Grams Fentanyl Recovered

A McKinleyville resident was taken into custody after correctional and medical staff intervened to stop an apparent overdose and recovered a substantial quantity of fentanyl, the Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office said.

Humboldt County deputies arrested Allison Trantham on January 22 on charges including HS 11351 - possession for sale of a controlled substance. Trantham was transported to the Humboldt County Correctional Facility and booked. After booking, correctional staff observed Trantham losing consciousness and on-site medical staff determined she was overdosing. Emergency medical personnel were called and two rounds of Narcan were administered before Trantham was taken to a local hospital under guard.

While Trantham was at the hospital, correctional staff suspected she might be concealing contraband in a body cavity. A body scan was performed and medical personnel assisted in removing the item. The substance tested positive for fentanyl. In total, 31 grams of fentanyl were recovered from Trantham at the hospital. After medical clearance, she was returned to the Humboldt County Correctional Facility and booked on an additional charge of PC 4573(a) - smuggling contraband into jail.

The Sheriff’s Office credited the swift work of correctional and medical staff with preventing a potentially tragic outcome. The office also reminded the public that the information has not been proven in a court of law and that any individuals described should be presumed innocent until proven guilty.

For McKinleyville and surrounding communities in Humboldt County, the incident highlights both law enforcement and public health dimensions of fentanyl in circulation. Thirty-one grams of fentanyl represents a significant amount relative to individual doses, and the episode shows how concealment of drugs can endanger both the people carrying them and those charged with their care. Local hospitals and correctional facilities face continuing pressure to respond to overdoses and safely handle suspected contraband, while law enforcement continues investigative work tied to distribution and possession for sale charges.

The Sheriff’s Office asked anyone with related information to call HCSO at (707) 445-7251 or the Crime Tip line at (707) 268-2539. Residents seeking help for substance use can contact local health services and harm-reduction programs in Humboldt County for resources and support.

This case will proceed through the county’s criminal process, and it serves as a reminder for residents that fentanyl remains a local public safety and public health concern requiring coordinated response from emergency medical services, corrections, and community health providers.