NEW: DEA Warns of Counterfeit Prescription Pills Containing Fentanyl from Mexico

NEW: DEA Warns of Counterfeit Prescription Pills Containing Fentanyl from Mexico

The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) is warning the public of counterfeit prescription pills from Mexico.

According to the DEA, Mexican drug cartels are manufacturing mass quantities of counterfeit prescription pills containing fentanyl for distribution throughout North America.

“Capitalizing on the opioid epidemic and prescription drug abuse in the United States, drug trafficking organizations are now sending counterfeit pills made with fentanyl in bulk to the United States for distribution. Counterfeit pills that contain fentanyl and fentanyl-laced heroin are responsible for thousands of opioid-related deaths in the United States each year,” said DEA Acting Administrator Uttam Dhillon.

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According to the DEA, based on a sampling of tablets seized nationwide between January and March of 2019, 27 percent contained potentially lethal doses of fentanyl.

Fentanyl

Fentanyl and other highly potent synthetic opioids remain the primary driver behind the ongoing opioid crisis, with fentanyl involved in more deaths than any other illicit drug.

“Buying drugs from street dealers is deadly especially when fentanyl is disguised as a real pharmaceutical. The DEA and our local, state and federal law enforcement partners stand committed to taking deadly fentanyl off the streets of New England and ensuring those who manufacture and traffic these lethal pills are held accountable to the communities and families they damage with this poison,” said DEA Special Agent in Charge Brian D. Boyle.

According to the DEA, a lethal dose of fentanyl is estimated to be about two milligrams, but can vary based on an individual’s body size, tolerance, amount of the previous usage and other factors.