Rainbow Fentanyl – The Latest Synthetic Opioid Threat
Rainbow Fentanyl is the latest synthetic opioid threat to hit America. Recently, seizures of highly colored Fentanyl pills have been reported in California, Oregon, Arizona, and Washington, DC. In one recent seizure, U.S Border Patrol agents said they discovered more than 15,000 rainbow fentanyl pills at Arizona’s Nogales Port of Entry. This comes right on the heels of another seizure of 250,000 Fentanyl pills that were seized at the same port, some of which were multi-colored.
Reports of Rainbow Fentanyl are steadily increasing across the country and law enforcement officials are concerned that cartels may be using the brightly colored and candy-appearing opioid to target young people.
In another recent case in Multnomah County, Oregon, sheriff’s police discovered 800 fentanyl pills and four grams of multi-colored, powdered fentanyl in a Portland residence when they were serving a warrant.
“Deputies are particularly concerned about Rainbow Fentanyl getting into the hands of young adults or children, who mistake the drug for something else, such as candy or a toy, or those who may be willing to try the drug due to its playful coloring,” the sheriff’s office said in a news release. “The powdered fentanyl found during this investigation resembles the color and consistency of sidewalk chalk.”
Rainbow Fentanyl – What Is It?
Rainbow Fentanyl is the synthetic opioid Fentanyl that has been dyed in various colors.
Fentanyl that is produced legally by pharmaceutical companies is an opioid that is prescribed by doctors for severe pain from surgery, cancer and other medical issues. Rainbow Fentanyl is manufactured in illegal laboratories by drug cartels and other illegal actors so the potency of any given pill is difficult to determine and can vary significantly.
A lot remains unknown about Rainbow Fentanyl. The colorful powders and pills can also be laced with other drugs. Some of the multi-colored pills that were seized in Oregon appeared to be children’s chewable vitamins and contained both fentanyl and methamphetamine. The DEA’s D.C. Division has reported that they also found animal tranquilizers in some pills.
Fentanyl, generally found in liquid or powder form, and Fentanyl-laced drugs are extremely potent and is up to 100 times stronger than morphine and 50 times stronger than heroin, according to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention. Even the smallest of doses can be deadly. “It only takes 2 milligrams of fentanyl – about the weight of a few grains of salt – to cause a fatal overdose” said New Life’s Joel Albano.
To learn more, feel free to call us today at: 856-942-3700 or send us a Text Message.
