Deadly Crisis: 7 in 10 Seized Pills Contain Fentanyl

Counterfeit Drug Crisis: 7 out of 10 Seized Pills Contain Fentanyl

November 17, 2023 | International & Society | Source: FOX NEWS

A national crisis involving counterfeit drugs has emerged, with alarming statistics revealing that 7 out of 10 seized pills contain the powerful synthetic opioid fentanyl. This crisis poses a severe threat to the lives and health of millions of Americans, emphasizing the urgent need for a solution.

DEA’s Efforts to Save Lives

The DEA’s Administrator, Ann Milgram, appeared on “America Newsroom” to discuss the organization’s mission to save lives. In 2023 alone, over 60 million counterfeit pills containing fentanyl have been seized. These fake drugs are often made to resemble legitimate prescription medications like Percocet, Xanax, and Adderall.

These counterfeit drugs are not only easily accessible through social media and the internet, but they also frequently contain potentially lethal doses of fentanyl. Recent seizures by the US Drug Enforcement Administration have shown a significant increase in the number of pills containing fentanyl compared to two years ago.

Destructive Impact of Counterfeit Drugs

The devastating effects of counterfeit drugs are evident in the alarming rise of drug overdose deaths, with 70% of these deaths attributed to fentanyl. Heartbreaking stories of individuals unknowingly consuming these fake drugs have been extensively covered by local news outlets across the United States.

Mexican-produced counterfeit drugs are just one aspect of the extensive global problem of counterfeit medications. Criminal organizations and fraudsters worldwide are counterfeiting a wide range of prescription drugs, including painkillers, antibiotics, and even sophisticated cancer treatments.

The Global Scope of Counterfeit Drugs

Shadowy companies in countries like China and India play a significant role in the supply of counterfeit drugs, creating a highly profitable global business estimated to generate around $200 billion annually. According to the World Health Organization, counterfeit drugs account for approximately 10% of the pharmaceuticals distributed in low- and middle-income countries.

Counterfeit drugs not only contain hazardous and potentially fatal ingredients such as lead, mercury, toxins, and other harmful chemicals, but they also often lack the necessary active ingredients, rendering them ineffective.

Real Cases of Counterfeit Drug Crimes

Instances of counterfeit drug crimes are not isolated incidents. In Texas, the owner of a Eastern European company was found guilty of smuggling and selling cancer and hepatitis treatments without active ingredients to patients in the United States. Similarly, two US doctors were convicted of distributing counterfeit cancer treatments purchased from a Canadian online pharmacy.

The Importance of a Closed Drug Distribution System

Fortunately, thanks to the closed drug distribution system overseen by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the infiltration of counterfeit drugs into authorized pharmacies is extremely rare. This system ensures that pharmaceuticals intended for use in the United States are manufactured in FDA-inspected facilities and comply with FDA standards. Additionally, a national tracking system enables the tracing of pharmaceuticals from manufacturing to pharmacy shelves.

However, criminal organizations continuously exploit the drug distribution network, similar to their activities in the cyber world. Over the past decade, the number of counterfeit drug seizures has more than tripled globally, with a significant number of cases occurring in North America.

The Role of Illicit Online Pharmacies

Unsafe counterfeit drugs are being sold through thousands of illegal online pharmacies, e-commerce platforms, social media, messaging apps, and the dark web. Recently, a man in Florida was found guilty of selling adulterated HIV treatments using forged documents, putting unsuspecting patients at risk.

Addressing the increasing risks posed by counterfeit drugs requires immediate action. The urgency to resolve this national crisis cannot be overstated, as the majority of seized drugs contain fentanyl, a powerful opioid that poses a significant threat to the lives and health of millions of Americans. Prominent figures, such as William Barr, former US Attorney General and researcher at the Hudson Institute, emphasize the need to prioritize the issue of counterfeit drugs.

Protecting Lives and Strengthening the Pharmaceutical Industry

Strengthening the domestic pharmaceutical industry, safeguarding the drug distribution system, and raising public awareness are crucial steps in combating this growing threat. It is vital to protect the integrity of the pharmaceutical industry, which employs millions of people and significantly contributes to the national economy. Efforts to enhance the domestic drug manufacturing sector and preserve the integrity of the drug supply chain are of utmost importance.

Robust enforcement measures are necessary to prevent harmful drugs from infiltrating pharmacies. Public education initiatives are also essential to prevent consumers from bypassing legitimate distribution channels.

While proposals to increase imports from foreign countries may seem attractive as a means to lower drug prices, caution is warranted. Such measures may undermine efforts to strengthen the domestic pharmaceutical industry and compromise the safety of the drug supply.

The counterfeit drug problem must be treated as a national crisis, demanding immediate attention and decisive action. To protect the lives and health of millions of Americans, it is crucial to take firm measures and prioritize the strengthening of the pharmaceutical industry, protecting the drug distribution system, and raising public awareness.

For more information, please refer to the original article.