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This Counterfeit Pills Fact Sheet, released by the U.S. Department of Justice Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), provides critical information regarding the rise of fake prescription pills and the dangers of fentanyl.

The Lethal Danger of Counterfeit Pills

The DEA warns that counterfeit pills are more lethal than ever, primarily due to the inclusion of fentanyl, a synthetic opioid.

  • Lethal Dosage: Just 2 mg of fentanyl is considered a deadly dose.
  • Prevalence: DEA laboratory testing reveals that 4 out of every 10 pills containing fentanyl have a potentially lethal dose.
  • Overdose Crisis: The CDC reported over 100,000 drug overdose deaths in the U.S. in a recent 12-month period, the highest ever recorded. Fentanyl is the primary driver of this increase.

Market Deception and Availability

Criminal drug networks are mass-producing these pills and falsely marketing them to deceive the public.

  • Appearance: Fake pills are made to look like legitimate prescription medications:
    • Opioids: Oxycodone (Oxycontin®, Percocet®) and hydrocodone (Vicodin®).
    • Benzodiazepine: Alprazolam (Xanax®).
    • Stimulants: Amphetamines (Adderall®).
  • Accessibility: These pills are easily purchased via social media and e-commerce platforms, making them accessible to anyone with a smartphone, including minors.
  • Distribution: Counterfeit pills have been identified in all 50 states and the District of Columbia.

Law Enforcement and Seizures

The DEA is actively working to dismantle the networks trafficking these illicit drugs.

  • Record Seizures: As of December 2021, the DEA had seized 20,000,000 fake pills in a single year, more than the previous two years combined.
  • Violence Nexus: Drug trafficking is linked to violent crime. The DEA opened 912 investigations related to violence and seized over 8,700 guns connected to these crimes in 2021.
  • Global Presence: The DEA employs approximately 10,000 personnel across 239 domestic offices and 91 foreign offices in 68 countries to accomplish its mission.

Safety Warning

The DEA emphasizes that the only safe medications are those obtained from licensed and accredited medical professionals. Pills purchased outside of a licensed pharmacy are illegal, dangerous, and potentially lethal.

For more information, visit DEA.gov/OnePill.