Marquette University Police Department is warning of an increasing national trend of counterfeit prescription pills that contain a possible lethal dose of fentanyl. According to the U.S. Drug Enforcement Agency, 7 out of every 10 pills that contain fentanyl contain a potentially lethal dose.
Criminal drug networks are mass-producing fake pills and falsely marketing them as legitimate prescription pills. These fake pills are easy to purchase, widely available and often contain fentanyl or methamphetamine, which can be deadly.
MUPD and the DEA warn that pills purchased outside of a licensed pharmacy are illegal, dangerous and potentially lethal. The only safe medications are ones that come from licensed and accredited medical professionals. Do not purchase prescription pills on social media or e-commerce sites.
These fake pills are made to look like prescription opioids or stimulants, such as:
- Amphetamines (Adderall)
- Oxycodone (Oxycontin, Percocet)
- Hydrocodone (Vicodin)
- Alprazolam (Xanax)
In 2022, the DEA seized more than 59.6 million fentanyl pills and more than 13,000 pounds of fentanyl powder from all 50 states.
For more information about fake pills, go to DEA.gov/OnePill.
