SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (KELO) — It's no secret that you can order almost anything online, and pharmaceuticals are no exception. But how do you know if what you receive is real or fake?
The Spearfish Police Department (SPD) warns that while “fake” pills may look similar to the real thing, counterfeits can contain dangerous amounts of fentanyl and other ingredients. There is. Fake pills containing fentanyl are easily available online and on the streets.
Fentanyl is a concentrated man-made opioid. Even just three grains of salt can be lethal. Fentanyl is 50 times more potent than heroin and 100 times more potent than morphine.
Fentanyl is added to other drugs such as other opioids, heroin, cocaine, meth, and anxiety and stimulant pills. This makes the drug more powerful and addictive. They're also so dangerous that overdoses are surging, especially among young people between the ages of 15 and 24.
This table shows the difference between real and counterfeit pills, but how do you know which ones are real? Safe medicines are prescribed by trusted medical professionals and taken by qualified pharmacists. Only the prepared ones.
Counterfeit “fake drugs” are easily available online through the illegal drug market, through social media and payment apps. This is big business for criminals and a popular new way for drug dealers to target children online, making it even more important for parents to talk to their children about it.
But it's difficult. Children talk about drugs, but unlike older generations of people who use drugs. Emoji symbols and slang.
An alarming trend is the distribution of colorful, candy-like pills called “Rainbow Fentanyl.” This provides an easy way for drug cartels to sell fentanyl to children and adolescents.
Knowledge is power, and the more you know about these medications and how easy it is to obtain them, the better off your family will be. Here are helpful tips on how to talk to your kids about opioids, signs of fentanyl use, drug slang, and more. Counterfeit Medications | Avoid Opioid SD
