Illicit fentanyl IS NOT the same as prescription grade products we currently use in the U.S.. In Illicit fentanyl the base fentanyl molecule is modified to add branches to increase potency and/or chemical replacements are added during it’s processing. Illicit fentanyl analogues are unfit for use in human beings due to their exceedingly high potency and vast potential for lethality.

China began mass manufacturing and distributing illicit fentanyl products as early as 2013. Since that time they have continued to mass manfacture and distribute illicit fentanyl and it’s precursor chemical 4-ANPP in collaboration with Mexico’s drug cartels. China remains the number one global source for illicit fentanyl and it’s precursor chemicals.

Fake pills which are deiberately made to mimic commonly used and safe trademarked pharmaceutical products such as Xanax, Adderall, Vicodin, Percocet, Oxycodone and Oxycontin have flooded the U.S. black markets. Additionally, illicit fentanyl contaminated drugs have gone mainstream including ecstasy, cocaine, methamphetamines, marijuana, heroin and more.

Most victims DID NOT KNOW they were about to consume illicit fentanyl.

Anytime a person willfully hides or disguises a harmful substance for another to consume without knowlege or intent - and it causes harm or death it is a poisoning NOT an “over-dose”. There are no “safe” doses for illicit fentanyl nor are there instructions being ignored or exceeded by the victims for illicit fentanyl products.

Using the accurate terms to describe our losses not only changes how the public views these tragic deaths and near death injuries but it will also invoke appropriate and necessary response efforts to save lives.

Illicit fentanyl poisonings are not limited to any one group of people. They are impacting ALL segments of the U.S. population.

Illicit fentanyl poisoning deaths and near death injuries have occurred in every known demographic including those who did not use drugs, those who used drugs or off market pills occasionally as well as those who tried or used a drug or off market pill for the very first time.

Currently the fastest growing demographic for illicit fentanyl related injuries and deaths are among children ages 14 and under.