HealthDay Reporter
THURSDAY, Sept. 1, 2022 (HealthDay Information) — The U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) is warning the general public that colorfully dyed fentanyl — dubbed “rainbow fentanyl” — is available throughout america.
“Rainbow fentanyl — fentanyl capsules and powder that are available in a wide range of vibrant colours, shapes, and sizes — is a deliberate effort by drug traffickers to drive habit amongst youngsters and younger adults,” mentioned DEA administrator Anne Milgram.
“The women and men of the DEA are relentlessly working to cease the trafficking of rainbow fentanyl and defeat the Mexican drug cartels which are accountable for the overwhelming majority of the fentanyl that’s being trafficked in america,” Milgram added in an company information launch.
The DEA and different legislation enforcement officers seized brightly coloured fentanyl and fentanyl capsules in 18 states in August. The confiscated medication embody capsules, powders and blocks that resemble sidewalk chalk.
Regardless of assertions that some colours is likely to be stronger than others, DEA laboratory testing has discovered no proof to assist these claims. Nonetheless, fentanyl is extraordinarily harmful, regardless of the colour, form or measurement, the DEA mentioned.
An artificial opioid, fentanyl is 100 instances stronger than morphine and 50 instances stronger than heroin. A deadly dose of fentanyl is regarded as as little as 2 milligrams, or about 10 to fifteen grains of desk salt. It’s inconceivable to find out how a lot fentanyl is concentrated in a tablet or powder with out conducting laboratory testing, in response to the DEA.
Furthermore, fentanyl stays essentially the most deadly drug risk to america. The U.S. Facilities for Illness Management and Prevention estimates that 107,622 People overdosed and died in 2021, with artificial opioids like fentanyl the reason for 66% of these deaths. Drug poisoning is the main reason behind demise for People between the ages of 18 and 45.
Should you encounter any type of fentanyl, chorus from dealing with it and name 911 instantly, the DEA suggested.
Extra info
The DEA’s Fentanyl Consciousness web page lists extra group and parental sources.
SOURCE: U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration, information launch, Aug. 30, 2022
