Officials warn of the dangers of rainbow fentanyl
COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)
Officials are warning of the dangers rainbow-colored fentanyl, as deaths related to the drug continue to rise.
"Rainbow fentanyl" looks like brightly colored candy and law enforcement says one of the pills could be deadly.
The powerful drug is made in bright colors to be more appealing to young people.
"Thats why we are really trying to put out a lot of education about this because it only takes a tiny fraction to kill you and it's something most people have no idea about," Cpl. Kyle Green, of the Missouri State Highway Patrol, said.
Green said the highway patrol works to keep drugs like fentanyl off the streets everyday and spread awareness.
"Yes it doesn't look just like a skittle or a normal piece of candy," Green said. "But it's designed to catch someone's eye with those colors and look less serious."
The Drug Enforcement Agency on Wednesday announced the largest seizure of fentanyl in New York City history: 15,000 brightly colored fentanyl pills hidden in a Lego box. According to the DEA, it only takes10-15 grains of fentanyl to be fatal.
MU Health Emergency Room Physician Christopher Sampson said young children are not likely to get their hands on the drug.
"It's more of a danger of a child getting in prescription drugs and suffering the effects of it than someone giving a child rainbow colored fentanyl," Sampon said.
According to the CDC 100,308 people died from opioid overdoses last year.
"One pill could cost you your life. Don't take anything thats not prescribed to you," Green said.
Officials are also warning of a drug called Xyalzine, a veterinary medicine and animal sedative and has been found in 38 states, including Missouri. The drug is known to increase risk for fatal overdose.
