This Halloween holiday, the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT), and the Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) is 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 mass-producing 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-ortreating with their kids this year,” said Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Family and Community Health Agent, Lou Ann Rollins, Titus 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!