With the rise of overdoses related to fentanyl, the Simi Valley Police Department would like to raise awareness regarding the dangers of illegally produced and sold fentanyl. Fentanyl is a synthetic opioid developed as a potent prescription medication for severe pain, but a surge in illegal fentanyl has increased availability, including for young people.
Fentanyl can be 50 times stronger than heroin and 100 times stronger than morphine. Although fentanyl prescribed by a physician has a legitimate purpose, illicit fentanyl, produced in unregulated and uncontrolled clandestine laboratories, can be deadly.
Because illegal fentanyl production has no standards, concentrations of the drug, even within the same lot can vary widely. Illegally produced fentanyl pills are often stamped to resemble pharmaceutical drugs to avoid detection by law enforcement. Also, the powder form can also be cut into other drugs such as cocaine, heroin, and methamphetamine by drug traffickers.
- Fentanyl is now commonly found in a pressed pill form, that can be swallowed, or crushed to be smoked or snorted.
- These fake pills containing fentanyl may look like real medications but are dangerous imitations.
- Often sold on social media, they may include enough fentanyl to cause a fatal overdose.
The Ventura County Behavioral Health Department, with the support of the Ventura County Board of Supervisors, and numerous community partners, have launched several prevention efforts, including:
- Fentanyl is Forever Campaign, which provides education, support, and assistance to residents (see www.FentanylVenturaCounty.org ) while illustrating the impact fentanyl has on families and communities and puts a face to the devastating numbers of overdose deaths;
- Ventura County RESPONDS website, to support the community and health professionals (www.VenturaCountyResponds.org ), with local data and important resources about fake pills and fentanyl.
Local law enforcement and health professionals urge residents to get informed and be safe:
Residents can learn to recognize the signs and symptoms of fentanyl overdose. If a person exhibits drowsiness or unresponsiveness, constricted pinpoint pupils, and slow, weak or no breathing,
Immediately call 9-1-1, administer naloxone, if available, try to keep the person awake and breathing, and lay the person on their side to prevent choking.
- Do not accept any medication or pill from unknown sources;
- Use caution if you come across unknown or unlabeled pills, powders, solutions, or rocks;
- If you encounter possible illicit drugs, do not touch them.
If you are unable to determine the origin of the drug and the drug related items seems suspicious, notify the Simi Valley Police Department at (805) 583-6950.
Report suspicious activity to
[email protected]
Prescription Opioid Brochure:
632b9051f9765b041ba3f58e_Opioid-z-foldBro-2022-FNL_lo.pdf (website-files.com)
For more facts about fentanyl, visit the United States Drug Enforcement Administration website at:
www.dea.gov/resources/facts-about-fentanyl
Media Contact:
Commander Ritchie Lew
Executive Officer I Public Information Officer
Simi Valley Police Department
(805) 583-6909
