Wanda Wiggins, an agent from the Drug Enforcement Administration came to Bryson City, Tuesday, April 28, to discuss emerging drug threats and community solutions. Organized by Swain County Sheriff’s Office speakers talked to a crowd of over 80 community members from all walks of life: DSS, recovery, law enforcement, treatment, prevention, parents, grandparents, pastors, healthcare and business. Some came from nearby counties.
Participants learned that the drugs most found in Swain County are fentanyl and methamphetamine.
Fake pills of fentanyl are being made to look just like your prescription pills. 2 mg. can lead to overdose and a sugar pack size of fentanyl can kill 500 people.
Wiggins said as our nation remains in the midst of an opioid crisis, another disturbing trend has emerged: the selling and the use of counterfeit medication.
These pills, which are often sold online, look like legitimate prescription meds such as oxycodone or Adderall. In fact, people buy them believing that they are similar to the pills you would get from the doctor.
According to DEA lab testing: 29% of pills with fentanyl contain a potentially lethal dose. Counterfeit prescription pills are easily accessible and often sold on social media.
The Drug Enforcement Administration recently issued a message to warn Americans about the dangers of counterfeit pills. Most of these pills are produced in other countries; mainly China, Mexico, and India.
However, an increasing number of pills laced with fentanyl are being produced in the U.S. Warning signs include packaging errors, such as misspelled labels, blurry printing, or missing safety seals. The pills themselves may show inconsistent coloring, uneven edges, or imprint codes that don’t match official records. A strong chemical smell or unexpected effects after taking a pill can also signal a problem.
Health officials urge consumers to buy medication only from licensed pharmacies, keep pills in their original packaging, and verify imprint codes through official identification tools.
Anyone who suspects a pill may be fake should stop using it and consult law enforcement and a healthcare professional.
Online sales via internet marketplaces and social media are the major sources for obtaining counterfeit pills, along with flea markets, gas stations and convenience stores. A significant number of high school and college students purchase Adderall, Xanax and other drugs from dark web drug markets and/or through social media referrals.
Learn more at DEA.gov where parents, teachers and all can learn about all drugs and the dangers.
Jane Casarez from IMPACT NC shared many ideas to involve Swain County residents in the battle against drug use and the negative effects on the community.
Research shows that creating connected and collaborative communities is one of the keys to preventing alcohol and drug problems. In these communities, people feel valued, supported and purposeful.
“We’re stronger together,” said Casarez.
“Collaboration and learning from others are important. We want communities and individuals to feel supported to work for prevention in their community. We want local leaders to have the skills and tools to create the change they want to see”.
Community Impact NC supports those working to build strong communities by providing the evidence based resources to drive effective change.