LAS VEGAS (KTNV) — Approximately 50,000 “clandestinely manufactured” oxycodone pills containing fentanyl were seized on Feb. 17 in Las Vegas, according to the Drug Enforcement Administration.
Many of the counterfeit prescription pills were manufactured to simulate the appearance of 30-milligram, oxycodone and are stamped or impressed with some variation of the “M-30” designation.
Subsequently three non-U.S. citizens were arrested and booked on trafficking a Schedule I-II Controlled Substance (400+ grams) and conspiracy to violate the Uniform Controlled Substance Act.
The Tactical Diversion Squad will present the case to the Nevada District Attorney's Office for prosecution.
The DEA says there has been a rise in counterfeit prescription pills containing fentanyl throughout the Las Vegas valley which has coincided with the increase in drug-caused deaths. Las Vegas has experienced nearly a 31% increase in overdose and other drug related deaths from 2019 to 2020.
According to the Centers for Disease Control, over 81,000 drug overdose deaths occurred in the U.S. in a recent 12-month period. Fentanyl and other highly potent synthetic opioids remain the primary driver behind the ongoing opioid crisis, with fentanyl involved in more deaths than any other illicit drug.
