Florida Sheriff’s Office Urging People to Be Cautious of Counterfeit Prescription Pills Containing Fentanyl

Fentanyl-related deaths are on the rise in Florida and across the United States.

The Broward Sheriff’s Office is reminding the public about the hazards of these counterfeit and potentially deadly drugs.

Fake prescription medications containing fentanyl are one of the devious ways that drug dealers and criminal networks distribute their lethal products.

There’s no way to know what’s in pills when they’re purchased illegally. Drug dealers often sell counterfeit medicines over social media or on e-commerce websites, making them readily available to anyone with access to the internet.

The Drug Enforcement Administration reports that since 2019, counterfeit drugs containing fentanyl have increased by more than 400 percent.

Additionally, an increase has been reported in the number of fake pills that contain more than 2 mg of fentanyl, which is considered to be a lethal dose.

In many cases, counterfeit pills are made to look like prescription opioids such as oxycodone, hydrocodone, and alprazolam, or stimulants such as amphetamines. It is vital that people only take prescription medications obtained from a licensed pharmacist and prescribed by a physician.

“The statistics are undeniable. Fentanyl is a growing problem in our community and across the nation,” Broward Sheriff Gregory Tony said. “We know that people are struggling with drug addiction. We want to see them get the help they need and not die from a lethal dose of fentanyl concealed in an illegal counterfeit pill.”

Broward County had the highest number of fentanyl deaths in Florida in 2020. Most of those deaths occurred when fentanyl was used in combination with other drugs.