DEA reveals Mexican criminal networks flooding U.S. deadly Fentanyl

ARLINGTON, Virginia -- The U.S. Drug Enforcement Agency says the United States is facing unprecedented levels of fentanyl in our communities. DEA officials say a recent public safety surge seized more than 1,500 pounds of fentanyl and over eight million fake prescription pills.

“Mexican criminal drug networks are harnessing the perfect drug trafficking tool: social media applications that are available on every smartphone,” said DEA Administrator Anne Milgram.

Milgram says Mexican drug networks don't care who they kill; they'll just move on to their next target.

DEA officials say the criminal networks are mass-producing fentanyl and fentanyl-laced fake prescription pills using chemicals sourced largely from China.

The fake pills are designed to look identical to legitimate prescriptions such as Oxycontin, Percocet, Vicodin, Adderall, and Xanax.

The DEA urges the public to be part of the solution. They advise never to take medicine that wasn't prescribed to you by a trusted medical professional and to take medicine only from licensed pharmacists.

“This holiday season,” Milgram said, “every parent, family member and friend should take a few minutes to share a simple message: One Pill Can Kill. Know that DEA remains relentless in our commitment to take down the criminal drug networks that threaten the safety and health of American communities.”

Watch the news conference by clicking here.