The Springfield Police Department is warning the public about fentanyl pills masquerading as common prescription drugs.
The pills look like oxycodone but are called Percocet.
Police say these pills have caused several overdoses.
Here is the Springfield Police Department News Release with more information:
Springfield, Mo. –The Springfield Police Department recently seized large quantities of pills that look like Oxycodone but have been called Percocet. The counterfeit pills are believed to contain Fentanyl and have caused several overdoses. The recent trend involving counterfeit prescription pills poses a threat to those who may encounter it.
Oxycodone and Percocet are opioid pain medications commonly prescribed by physicians. Fentanyl is a synthetic opioid that is 80-100 times stronger than morphine and is commonly added to heroin or other controlled substances to increase their potency. It can be absorbed into the body via inhalation or skin contact. Illegally manufactured Fentanyl can be extremely dangerous and has been a major contributor to opioid-related overdoses.
In 2022, we responded to 564 calls for service involving overdoses with 35 total fatalities. In 2023, we have responded to 300 overdoses with 14 total fatalities.
Anyone taking prescription medications should only obtain them from a licensed medical prescriber or pharmacy.