The Riley County Police Department has responded to six fentanyl overdoses in just the past two weeks. While none of the six resulted in death, these overdoses came from fake, pressed prescription pills containing fentanyl mostly oxycodone and Xanax. Riley County Police emphasize that individuals who overdose are not suspects in their investigations. The goal is to identify, apprehend and prosecute the distributor and/distribution network. Fentanyl is now the number one cause of death for Americans age 18-45. Fentanyl overtook and doubled the number two cause – suicide, in just one year. Distribution of a controlled substance causing great bodily harm is a Level V felony. Distribution of a controlled substance causing death is a Level I felony. Please talk to your friends and family about fentanyl, it could save their life. Criminal drug networks mass-produce these fake pills and falsely market them as legit prescription pills. The only safe medications are ones prescribed by a trusted medical professional and dispensed by a licensed pharmacist. – As of April 2021, fentanyl fatalities increased 49.4% in just 12 months, surpassing 64,000 deaths. -Fentanyl fatally poisons 175 people every day Fentanyl is tied to 64% of total drug fatalities 4 out of every 10 pills with fentanyl contain a potentially lethal dose
