April 7, 2022
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
NEWS RELEASE #22-0407-1
CONTACT: SHERIFF TIM MORSE 785-364-2251
(The following statement is in response to the “One pill can kill” initiative that was presented in a press conference today in Topeka)
The Drug Enforcement Agency Laboratory confirms that 4 out of 10 pills with fentanyl contain a potentially lethal dose. Counterfeit pills often contain fentanyl and are more lethal than ever before. Criminal drug networks are flooding the U.S. with deadly fake pills. Over 100,000 deaths have occurred in the last 12 month reporting period. This is the highest number as of yet. Many counterfeit pills are made to look like prescription opioids such as oxycodone, hydrocodone, alprazolam or stimulants like amphetamines. Pills that are obtained from any source other than a licensed pharmacy are illegal, dangerous and may even be deadly.
The Jackson County Sheriff’s Office has joined the DEA and other law enforcement agencies in the “One pill can kill initiative.” Jackson County is no exception to the opiate crisis. There have been a number of deaths attributed to opiate overdoses and even those attributed to fentanyl in Jackson County. The Jackson County Sheriff’s Office and the DEA have been partnered together in the fight against the illegal distribution of illegal narcotics for a number of years. Law enforcement is always more effective when agencies partner together to use the vast variety of valuable skills, technology and expertise that each agency possesses to target a specific problem. Agencies will collaborate, share intelligence information and work together to interrupt the supply of fentanyl to our various jurisdictions. Education is also important; the public must understand the danger in consuming these type of lethal drugs.