The killer ‘Rainbow Fentanyl’ looks like candy, and can tempt kids

THURSDAY, September 1, 2022 (HealthDay News) — The US Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) is warning the public that the colored dye fentanyl – Dubbed “Rainbow Fentanyl” – It is readily available throughout the United States.

“Rainbow Fentanyl — fentanyl pills and powder that comes in a variety of bright colors, shapes, and sizes — is a deliberate effort by drug dealers to drive addiction among children and young adults,” said DEA Director Ann Milgram.

“The men and women of the DEA are working relentlessly to stop the rainbow fentanyl smuggling and defeat the Mexican drug cartels responsible for the vast majority of fentanyl trafficked in the United States,” Milgram said in a news agency. Release.

The DEA and other law enforcement officials seized brightly colored fentanyl and fentanyl pills in 18 states in August. The seized drugs include pills, powders and lumps that look like sidewalk chalk.

Despite assurances that some colors may be more effective than others, DEA lab tests have found no evidence to support these claims. However, fentanyl is extremely dangerous, regardless of color, shape, or size, the DEA said.

synthetic material opioidFentanyl is 100 times stronger than morphine And 50 times stronger than heroin. A lethal dose of fentanyl is believed to be less than 2 milligrams, or about 10 to 15 table salt tablets. According to the Drug Enforcement Administration, it’s impossible to determine how much fentanyl is in a pill or powder without doing lab tests.

Furthermore, fentanyl remains the deadliest drug threat in the United States. The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates that 107,622 Americans overdosed and died in 2021, with synthetic opioids like fentanyl causing 66% of those deaths. Drug poisoning is the leading cause of death among Americans between the ages of 18 and 45.

The DEA advised that, if you experience any form of fentanyl, refrain from handling it and call 911 immediately.

more information

The DEA’s Fentanyl Awareness page lists additional community and parent resources.