Dutchess drug task force warns of fentanyl-laced counterfeit pills

More than 2,000 pills seized in September, authorities say

The Dutchess County Drug Task Force is warning of an increased presence of fentanyl in the region, in particular counterfeit 30-milligram oxycodone pain pills containing the deadly synthetic opioid.

In a press release, the task force said that, since January, it has seized several thousand counterfeit prescription pills containing fentanyl through investigations conducted in the Dutchess County area. In September alone, the task force seized more than 2,000 counterfeit prescription pills, according to the release.

The pills are typically light blue with the imprint “M-30” in an effort to imitate real prescription 30-milligram oxycodone pills, the Sheriff’s Office said. Recently, counterfeit 30-mg oxycodone pills in various colors containing fentanyl were seized in other areas of New York state, Dutchess officials said.

Illegal drugs seized by the task force, like heroin, cocaine and crack cocaine, are often contaminated with fentanyl, according to the press release.

Fentanyl is a synthetic opioid that is similar to morphine but is 50 to 100 times more potent.

According to the federal Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), as little as two milligrams of fentanyl can be lethal. According to the federal Centers for Disease Control, 107,622 Americans died of drug overdoses in 2021, with 66% of those deaths related to synthetic opioids like fentanyl.

In 2021, the Dutchess County Drug Task Force recorded more than 100 fatal drug overdose deaths in the county and said fentanyl was involved in “an overwhelming amount of cases.”

“If you encounter fentanyl in any form, or any other drug, do not handle it and call 911 immediately,” the task force said.

A person overdosing on fentanyl may exhibit signs that include but are not limited to cold and or clammy skin, cyanosis and changes in pupil size, coma or any form of respiratory distress. If you experience any of these symptoms or observe someone experiencing similar symptoms and you believe fentanyl may be involved, call 911 immediately, the task force said.

Anyone with information about individuals selling drugs containing fentanyl is urged to call the Drug Task Force confidential tip line at (845) 4636040 or email DrugTaskForceTips@gmail.com.

Additionally, anyone seeking assistance with drug addiction or treatment may call the Dutchess County Helpline at (845) 485-9700. They may also walk into the county’s Stabilization Center at 230 North Road, Poughkeepsie, or call (845) 486-2849 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

For additional information, visit the Dutchess County government website at https://bit.ly/3MJSPZH.