Fentanyl is a deadly synthetic opioid that is impacting communities across Texas and endangering Texans of all ages. Fentanyl-related deaths reported in Texas increased 89% from 2020 to 2021, and the time to combat the infiltration of this drug into our state is now.
Under the direction of Governor Abbott, the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) is working to raise awareness about the dangers of this drug to save the lives of Texans. Often, people don’t even know that they’re taking this deadly drug.
Mexican drug cartels are mass-producing and trafficking counterfeit prescription pills laced with fentanyl into Texas. The reality is that many of these fake pills look so real that it’s hard to tell the difference between fake and real prescription pills. So much so that even experts have a hard time telling the difference. Don’t fall victim to the deadly dangers of fentanyl.
DANGERS OF FENTANYL
Fentanyl is often pressed into fake pills or cut into street drugs, such as methamphetamine, heroin and cocaine — often without the user knowing it — and the outcome can be deadly. In fact, most people who die from fentanyl didn’t know that they were even taking this deadly drug. One of the challenges in combating this crisis is the fact that these “fake” pills are everywhere. They are widely available. They aren’t hard to purchase.
In this video, you’ll hear the story of the late Ryan Bagwell, a victim of fentanyl poisoning, from his mother, Sandra Bagwell. She shares his story in the hopes of helping protect others from the dangers of fentanyl.
Fentanyl dangers are impacting Texans of all ages. Fentanyl is 50–100 times more potent than morphine — just 2 milligrams could be lethal. According to U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) lab tests, “four out of every ten fake pills with fentanyl contain a potentially lethal dose.” The impacts of fentanyl are devastating — and deadly.
What can you do? Learn the facts about fentanyl and start sharing your knowledge with loved ones. Raising awareness about this crisis is vital to helping protect lives. Many people don’t know about the dangers of fentanyl ― and the outcome can be deadly.
Knowledge is power, and we need your help spread the word about the fentanyl crisis.https://www.dps.texas.gov/tle/contact
