DEA Issues Public Safety Alert on Fentanyl & Fake Prescription Pills

Earlier this year, the DEA issued a Public Safety Alert warning of the increased availability of fake prescription pills. These lethal counterfeit pills may contain fentanyl and methamphetamine, which leads to great risks for employers and the public.

TEAM can work to add fentanyl and other fake prescription pills to your panels.

This is the DEA’s first new alert in six years. Admittedly, this does not apply to legally prescribed medication. Still, the agency issued the alert following a reported 93,000 drug overdose deaths last year.

Fentanyl & Other Drug’s Public Impact

Drug addiction is a serious matter. It can impact your business and those you employ. With newly announced strict rules on drug and alcohol testing, safety-sensitive positions need to think safe and smart.

“DEA is focusing resources on taking down the violent drug traffickers causing the greatest harm and posing the greatest threat to the safety and health of Americans,” said Anne Milgram, DEA Administrator. “We are alerting the public to this danger so that people have the information they need to protect themselves and their children.”

Dangers of Counterfeit Pills

The DEA calls its campaign “One Pill Can Kill.” It highlights the dangers of drug abuse and counterfeit pills. Medications prescribed by professionals (and dispensed by licensed pharmacists) are the only safe medications. Most counterfeit pills replicate prescription opioids. Synthetic opioids such as fentanyl are the main factor behind this increase.

“Only ONE pill from illegitimate sources can kill, and has,” said DEA’s Jarod Forget. “And we’re dedicated to educating the public on this issue, to help keep our area residents and families safe.”

The DEA has confiscated more than 9 million counterfeit prescription pills this year. Employee drug and alcohol abuse is on the rise since the COVID-19 pandemic began. Employees may be risking their careers and their lives over drugs and alcohol. Therefore, finding solutions that work for your business is paramount.

TEAM can work with our existing clients to add fentanyl and other fake prescription pill opioids causing nationwide issues.

Drug and Alcohol Test Options with TEAM

Employers must maintain a drug and alcohol-free workplace. TEAM Professional Services works with you to meet this goal through consultation, custom solutions and ongoing maintenance of full-service drug and alcohol testing programs.

TEAM can work with current clients to add fentanyl and other opioids to their drug test panels. Contact us today to update your panels and coordinate drug and alcohol tests. Employers can also get educated with TEAM on identifying substance abuse in the workplace.