Counterfeit Oxycodone Containing Fentanyl Seized In Dutchess County

DUTCHESS COUNTY, NY — Another form of counterfeit oxycodone containing fentanyl has been seized in Dutchess County.

The Dutchess County Drug Task Force said the counterfeit pills that were seized are white in color, oblong-shaped and imprinted 10/325 and M523.

A more common counterfeit pill containing fentanyl is the oxycodone M30, authorities said, adding that people should only take prescription medications they receive from a medical professional.

Prescription medications sold illegally can often be fraudulent and contain fentanyl.

Authorities said fentanyl is a synthetic opioid that is similar to morphine but is 50 to 100 times more potent.

According to the federal Drug Enforcement Administration, as little as 2 milligrams of fentanyl can be lethal.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said more than 107,000 Americans died of drug overdoses in 2021, with 66 percent of those deaths related to synthetic opioids like fentanyl.

In 2021, the Dutchess County Drug Task Force recorded more than 100 fatal drug overdose deaths with Dutchess County with fentanyl being involved in an overwhelming amount of cases. If you encounter fentanyl in any form, or any other drug, do not handle it and call 911 immediately.

If anyone has information regarding this case or about any other individuals selling drugs in Dutchess County, you are urged to contact the Drug Task Force confidential tip line at 845-463-6040 or by sending a message to this email address.

The Dutchess County Drug Task Force encourages anyone seeking assistance with drug addiction or treatment to call the Dutchess County HELPLINE at 845-485-9700 or walk into the Stabilization Center at 230 North Road in Poughkeepsie, 845-486-2849. This contact is available 24/7/365 to help you get connected to the services you need. You can also visit Dutchess County Government website here.