SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (KELO) — Ingesting two grains of fentanyl can be deadly. Many counterfeit fentanyl pills are made to look like prescription drugs with the same color and markings. These include Xanax, Percocet, Vicodin, Oxycodone, and even Adderall. Fake pills like this are becoming increasingly common. The U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration’s laboratory found that 6 out of 10 counterfeit pills contained at least 2 milligrams of a synthetic opioid, a lethal dose.
“It’s so scary when you think about how little is needed, and when children don’t know that even if someone gives it to them, they often don’t have the time to ask for help. ,” said director Darcy Jensen. Prairie View Prevention Services.
Jensen said police seized 800 grams of fentanyl off the streets of South Dakota in 2023, but this year is not over yet.
Sioux Falls Police Chief John Tam has some advice about prescription medications that are considered safe.
“If you’re taking a medication that isn’t provided to you by your pharmacist, assume it contains fentanyl,” Sam says.
Never take any medication that was not directly prescribed to you, never take any medication given to you by a friend, or any medication purchased on social media.
Young people are easy prey for drug dealers, both online and in person, Jensen said.
“So when we talk about counterfeit drugs and illegal drugs, when our clients say, “I don’t know how I got it because it’s not what I asked for, I always say, “Remember who you buy it from.” I say, leave it alone. It’s a dealer. They don’t care what happens to you. They’re just there to make money,” Jensen said.
Jensen said the natural reaction would be for some people to put on their blinders and say this doesn’t happen in South Dakota, but Jensen sees it every day.
“And the only way to improve the situation and make a difference is through prevention and education,” Jensen said.
The South Dakota Department of Human Services and Department of Health are working together to Create a website Contains all kinds of information about fentanyl and other drugs.
South Dakota Resource Hotline 1-800-920-4343
