Concern for Public Safety Rises as the Volume of Fentanyl–laced, Counterfeit Prescriptions Increases in Southwest Region

Executive Summary:

Fentanyl-laced counterfeit prescriptions constitute a significant portion of the prescriptions dispensed in the Southwest.   Billions of prescriptions will be filled in the U.S. annually and millions of those pills will be counterfeit and fentanyl-laced, likely strengthening the opioid crisis in the American Southwest. Rising costs associated with opioid addiction, come with an increase of individuals who are unable to afford these costs and seek inexpensive alternatives.  Traffickers in the American Southwest exploit this trend as the demand for inexpensive medication increases, and the cost of production decreases.  Pill production materials are easily purchased online, allowing even common dealers to create and sell a product. If left unattended, it is likely to lead to an increase in product, dealers and traffickers in the American Southwest and along the U.S.-Mexico Border. The ease of production and sales will likely lead to an increase of opioid dependency, overdose and ultimately opioid related deaths.

 

Details

·        Fentanyl-laced prescriptions in the Southwest United Stated

• Drug Traffickers Exploitation and profits
• Material Accessibility for Traffickers

Outlook

• Implications
• Opportunity analysis