WICHITA, Kan. (AP) - Wichita police are investigating whether four overdose cases from last weekend involved Oxycodone pills that might have been embedded with fentanyl.
A 19-year-old man died and a 16-year-old boy fell unconscious after taking the pills, police said. The teenager was revived and taken to a Wichita hospital. A 27-year-old man and 23-year-old man both required medical attention after taking the pills and becoming unconscious, KSNW reported.
The Regional Forensic Science Center will determine if the Oxycodone pills seized in the cases are counterfeit and embedded with fentanyl.
Wichita police also are investigating numerous cases of counterfeit Oxycodone pills embedded with fentanyl. Last year, 23 cases involved Oxycodone with fentanyl. The counterfeit pills appear to be legitimate Oxycodone pills but testing confirms they contain fentanyl, police said.
Fentanyl can be 30 to 50 times more powerful than heroin, and even small amounts are toxic, said Capt. Jeff Allen, commander of the Special Investigations Bureau.
It is possible some drug dealers are not aware they are providing counterfeit Oxycodone that contains fentanyl, he said.
Police warn residents that any narcotic or prescription drug not purchased with a doctor’s prescription at a legitimate pharmacy should be considered unsafe and could potentially contain Fentanyl or other harmful substances.
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