By Regina Baez, AgriLife Youth Program Assistant

KINGSVILLE (News Release) - This Halloween holiday, the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT), and the Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) is teaming up with Kleberg – Kenedy Counties AgriLife Extension Service and District Attorney John Hubert’s Office, to spread awareness on the fentanyl epidemic spreading across our state.  Hubert cautioned, “We want everyone, particularly the children, to have fun during Halloween, but the dangers are real.”

The Drug Enforcement Administration warns the public of the alarming increase in the lethality and availability of fake prescription pills containing fentanyl and methamphetamine. International and domestic criminal drug networks are mass-producing fake pills, falsely marketing them as legitimate prescription pills, and killing unsuspecting Texans. These counterfeit pills are easy to purchase, widely available, and often contain deadly doses of fentanyl. Pills purchased outside of a licensed pharmacy are illegal, dangerous, and potentially lethal. These risks include overdose, forming new addictions, and traffic related crashes due to impairment.  

Over the Halloween holiday, it is especially important that parents stay informed on this epidemic. One of these most prevalent and disturbing trends currently involves rainbow-colored pills that have been laced with fentanyl and designed to attract younger kids. According to Hubert, “it is important that parents stay informed and vigilant during this time due to the presence of this extremely dangerous drug.”

Safety Tips:

If you’re planning in doing some fun trick-or-treating, here are a few tips to help you prepare for a safe night out.

·        Never accept candy unless it is in a sealed and unbroken package.

·        If you find a substance you believe could be fentanyl, do not touch it. Immediately contact local law enforcement.  

·        If you see someone you believe to be impaired on fentanyl or any other substance, contact local law enforcement. This includes drivers you believe could be impaired.  

·        No candy is worth the risk. If you have doubts, throw it out.

Criminal drug networks are using social media and smartphone apps to flood the U.S. with deadly fentanyl and fentanyl-laced fake pills. Learn more at www.dea.gov/onepill