Counterfeit Fentanyl pills
On November 4, 2019, the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) warned the public about fatal victims overdosing on dangerous counterfeit pills in the United States. Based on a sampling of tablets seized nationwide between January and March 2019, DEA found that 27 percent contained potentially lethal doses of fentanyl. Fentanyl and other highly potent synthetic opioids remain the primary driver behind the ongoing opioid crisis, with fentanyl involved in more deaths than any other illicit drug.
“Current investigations and deaths in the USVI, specifically in St. Croix, raise a red flag that can’t go unnoticed. It is part of our mission to warn and educate our communities regarding this lethal drug, to prevent any more losses.” said A.J. Collazo, DEA Special Agent Charge of the Caribbean Region.
“Fentanyl is deadly,” said U.S. Attorney Gretchen C.F. Shappert. “As we work with our federal and local law enforcement partners, we are asking that residents of the USVI provide us with any relevant information, so that we can halt the distribution of this dangerous drug.”
Four deaths over the last four months had been identified as drug overdoses. But it wasn’t until recently that they were all confirmed to be related to Fentanyl. DEA suspects much of which was contained in blue pills which are believed to be counterfeit (black market) or Oxys (confirmation is pending laboratory analysis).
In the last month, DEA arrested two individuals in St. Croix, in relation to the use and trafficking of fentanyl. DEA is working with VIPD and the USVI US Attorney’s Office to identify the sources trafficking (knowingly or unknowingly) fentanyl-laced pills. These individuals could possibly be charged with the wrongful death of those who overdosed on these drugs.
A lethal dose of fentanyl is estimated to be about two milligrams, but can vary based on an individual’s body size, tolerance, amount of previous usage and other factors. The full Fentanyl Signature Profiling Program Report on the recent drug sampling and testing is available here.
Anyone with information that may assist investigators are encouraged to reach out to VI Crime Stoppers @ 1-800-222-8477 / www.crimestoppersvi.org or the DEA tip line @ www.dea.gov/submit- tip.
