Drug dealers are using more dangerous tactics, disguising fentanyl pills as candy and vitamins. These pills resemble treats like SweetTarts and kids’ vitamins, making them especially deceptive and dangerous.
What is Fentanyl?
There is an actual legal use of fentanyl that is approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for the treatment of severe, acute, or chronic pain. The drug is a synthetic opioid that is approximately 50 to 100 times more potent than morphine.
Even medical fentanyl packaging warns the drug is highly toxic and can be fatal if misused.
A major problem with fentanyl is that it can be produced illegally. Criminal groups obtain precursor chemicals, often sourced from suppliers in China, and ship them to Mexico. There, drug cartels manufacture fentanyl, press it into counterfeit pills that resemble legitimate medications, and smuggle them into the United States.
Read More: Michigan Grandma’s Death Linked to Cocaine Risk
Now cartels are pressing fentanyl into pills designed to resemble candy and children’s vitamins and they have made their way to West Michigan.
Fentanyl Disguised as Vitamins and Candy Raises Concerns
According to a Facebook post from the Calhoun County Sheriff’s Office in Michigan, a warning has been issued to parents to be on the lookout for fentanyl pills that are disguised as candy and children’s chewable vitamins.
Canva.com,Calhoun County Sheriff’s Office, Michigan’s Post Facebook page, Photo by Nellie Adamyan on Unsplash
The picture above on the left are the fentanyl pills that were discovered in Calhoun County. The sheriff’s department said the tablets and capsules are intentionally designed to look like children’s vitamins or over-the-counter supplements. They are meant to look harmless but even a small amount can be fatal.
Photo by Stephen Foster on Unsplash
Illegally produced fentanyl is also made to resemble legitimate medications and is often sold on the street or through social media platforms.
Safety tips from the Calhoun County Sheriff’s Office:
Never take pills or supplements that were not prescribed by a licensed medical professional.Parents are encouraged to talk with children and teens about the dangers of taking unknown substances.Store medication securely and monitor what children consume.If you find suspicious pills or substances, do not handle them and contact local law enforcement immediately.
👇BELOW: Parents Should Familiarize Themselves with These Illegal Drugs👇
Parents Should Familiarize Themselves with These Illegal Drugs
Knowledge is power, especially when it comes to recognizing and understanding when your child becomes involved with illegal drugs.
Gallery Credit: Cindy Campbell
