Warning from the DEA & Elks National Drug Awareness Program (DAP)

One Pill Can Kill

Last summer the DEA engaged in a campaign to stop the flow of fake pills. This was in response to an influx of counterfeit pills brought into the US from the cartels. Online sales via internet marketplace and social media were the main source of distribution.  These pills contain fentanyl or methamphetamine and are extremely dangerous. They look identical to the real medication and are sold as a cheaper option.

Now there is a new twist to this scam. The pills are coming in colorful tablets dubbed “rainbow fentanyl”. These are highly addictive and potentially deadly. They are made to target our youth as they look like candy.

What can we do?

  • Only purchase medication from a known Pharmacy
  • Keep medicine cabinets clear of damaged, unused or unknown medication
  • Talk to your kids about the dangers of any medication not from a parent or authorized adult
  • For help talking to preteens and teens, go to
    • GetSmartAboutDrugs.com
    • JustThinkTwice.com
    • Elks.org Kids Teens Zone

Read the full article from the DEA here:
https://www.dea.gov/press-releases/2022/08/30/dea-warns-brightly-colored-fentanyl-used-target-young-americans

Learn how you can save a life with naloxone, an easy-to-use nasal spray that reverses the effects of an opioid overdose. The Anne Arundel County Department of Health provides virtual training and naloxone kits for free. Register for training here: https://preventsubstancemisuse.org/narcan-training/