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State officials fear that "rainbow fentanyl" can be confused with candy by children. PHOTO/HARTFORD HEALTHCARE NEWS HUB
Last week, Florida Department of Law Enforcement Commissioner Mark Glass released the Florida Medical Examiners Drugs in Deceased Persons report.
The report is online at https://www.fdle.state. fl.us/MEC/Publicationsand- Forms.
Following publication, he released a statement, noting Florida’s Medical Examiners determined nearly 6,000 people statewide died with some connection to fentanyl in 2021.
“It is by far the most lethal drug in Florida killing across all ages and communities, with most victims between the ages of 35 and 50,” Glass said. “We know that illegal fentanyl is being manufactured in Mexico and smuggled across our southern border into our country and our state. Fentanyl is cheap, odorless and tasteless, but is more potent than heroin.”
He noted that Mexican cartels have begun mixing fentanyl into a variety of drugs for other useful purposes, including Adderall, Xanax and other counterfeit prescription pills, as well as mixing it with heroin and cocaine.
“Many victims aren’t even aware they’ve taken fentanyl. And DEA lab testing shows that six out of 10 fentanyl-laced fake prescription pills contain a potentially lethal dose of fentanyl,” Glass said.
As part of the “One Pill Can Kill!” campaign, Floridians are encouraged to only get prescription drugs from a pharmacy, and go on the theory that no pill purchased online is safe. Parents should talk to their children and make sure they understand the dangers.
This year, in partnership with the Florida Highway Patrol and local law enforcement agencies throughout Florida, FDLE conducted several criminal interdictions. In these statewide operations, more than 60 suspects were arrested on drug charges and more than $600,000 worth of illicit drugs were seized.
“We will continue these interdictions. Florida is also educating our young people through the First Lady’s campaign, ‘The Facts. Your Future’ which is reinventing the way substance abuse prevention is taught in our schools,” Glass said. “It’s not ‘Just Say No’ — it’s ‘Just Say No and Here’s Why.’” And for those who need help with substance abuse or know someone who does, Florida’s Hope for Healing program can help navigate the many ways Floridians can access help. Learn more at Hope for Healing Florida (www. hopeforhealingfl.com/).
“Many victims aren’t even aware they’ve taken fentanyl. And DEA lab testing shows that six out of 10 fentanyl-laced fake prescription pills contain a potentially lethal dose of fentanyl.”
— MARK GLASS, FL Dept.of Law Enforcement Commissioner
