— This Halloween holiday, TxDOT and the DEA are teaming up with Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service’s Watch UR BAC program to spread awareness on the fentanyl epidemic spreading across our state.
The Drug Enforcement Administration warns the public of the alarming increase in the lethality and availability of fake prescription pills containing fentanyl and methamphetamine. International and domestic criminal drug networks are massproducing fake pills, falsely marketing them as legitimate prescription pills, and killing unsuspecting Texans. These counterfeit pills are easy to purchase, widely available, and often contain deadly doses of fentanyl. Pills purchased outside of a licensed pharmacy are illegal, dangerous, and potentially lethal. These risks include overdose, forming new addictions, and traffic related crashes due to impairment.
Over the Halloween holiday, it is especially important that parents stay informed on this epidemic. One of these most prevalent trends currently involves rainbow-colored pills that have been laced with fentanyl and designed to attract younger kids. “We know friends and families will be especially excited to spend time trick-or-treating with their kids this year,” said TexasA&MAgriLife Extension Family and Community Health Agent Amber Lambright, Martin County. “Unfortunately, we as a community must be aware of the dangers out there related to illicit substances. This is a real threat to our children, and it is our responsibility to protect them”. It’s important that parents understand, one pill containing fentanyl can kill!
Ahead of Halloween, local authorities are warning parents to keep a close eye on trick-or-treat baskets, as just two milligrams of fentanyl, which is equal to 10-15 grains of table salt, is considered a lethal dose, per the DEA. Any candylooking substance will get a lot of attention as Halloween nears, so parents should be on the lookout and kids should be reminded never to eat unpackaged candy without having parents inspect it first.
The bottom line is this: Never accept any candy, pills, or other substances you believe to be tampered with or laced with fentanyl because One Pill Can Kill!
• Remember that it is never okay to accept candy that is not in an unbroken, sealed package.
• If you find a substance you believe could be fentanyl, do not touch it. Immediately contact local law enforcement.
• If you see someone you believe to be impaired on fentanyl or any other substance, contact local law enforcement. This includes drivers you believe could be impaired.