Counterfeit prescription tablets containing fentanyl seen in Southern Idaho

South Idaho (KMVT / KSVT) – The Drug Enforcement Administration warned Americans of a surge in counterfeit pills containing fentanyl. Counterfeit pills that are similar to prescription drugs like Oxycontin, Xanax, and Adderall, all of which contain fentanyl.

“I’ve been a law enforcement officer for nearly 25 years and I’ve never seen anything that happened so quickly, that was as addicting and dangerous as Fentanyl,” said Idaho District 4 Police Commander, Captain Dave Neth.

According to police, it is a wave that has reached southern Idaho.

“We, the Idaho State Police, have more cases of pills in 2021 alone than in 2018, 2019 and 2020 combined,” said Neth. “[That is] only for District 4, which is South Central Idaho, so we’ve absolutely seen an increase and right now I don’t see it easing. “

Magic Valley Paramedics said the data shows an increase in total drug overdose and what is worrying is that 9-1-1 calls can become more difficult when a different substance is added to pills.

“There can be signs and symptoms that come through for things we don’t see,” said James Rhom, Saint Luke’s Community Health EMS supervisor. “So definitely, when drugs are combined with other drugs that can complicate things considerably for us.”

ISP said the first step is to take action against those distributing these dangerous pills, but they stress that the current fentanyl crisis is a community problem that affects everyone, including children and the elderly.

“Right now, when you are having a crisis in your life trying to self-medicate with prescription pills, when you have an addiction problem, now is a very dangerous time,” said Neth. “I would say get help.”

ISP said any pill purchased from a source other than a prescription from a doctor should be presumed to contain fentanyl.

“One dose, one blow of it, it might be enough to kill you,” said Neth.

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