One Pill Can Kill: DEA warns of counterfeit pills containing deadly amounts of fentanyl
CINCINNATI (WKRC) - A strong warning from the Drug Enforcement Administration: One pill can kill.
The pills we're talking about can look just like the real thing but can contain deadly amounts of fentanyl.
"The DEA has seen a significant increase in the amount of counterfeit pills that are in our streets in the United States, and it's alarming and concerning," Assistant Special Agent in Charge for the Cincinnati District Office of the DEA Jason Schumacher said.
Schumacher says the opioid epidemic has fueled the demand and drug cartels are exploiting that. He also blames prescription misuse for medications like those students use to study.
"These young adults and kids who think they're buying Adderall and Xanax -- one of the legitimate drugs that you see that you could get from a local pharmacy -- when in fact it is a lethal dose and it will kill you," Schumacher said.
Illegal pills are becoming easier to get too, according to Schumacher. No longer do you have to go to a dark alley. They're being pushed on social media websites. The drug dealers are using code words and emojis to push the product.
Schumacher says parents need to talk with their kids about the dangers.
"We have to bring this to light, and I think, really, at home, the parents have to start these conversations today because tomorrow could be too late, and what we want to do at the DEA is really bring this to the forefront of conversations and help," Schumacher said.
Click here for more information and how to talk to your kids about this deadly problem.
