DEA El Paso: ‘Rainbow Fentanyl’ becoming alarming trend aimed for kids, teens
EL PASO, Texas -- Fentanyl is already the deadliest drug threat the Drug Enforcement Administration is facing and now the drug is taking on a new form.
According to the DEA, colorful pills and powder of fentanyl also known as "rainbow fentanyl" is being trafficked from across the border aimed driving drug addiction in kids and teens.
"Rainbow fentanyl" resembling candy even sidewalk chalk based on photos provided by the DEA of current seizures.
It's being seized all across the country, "and we're seeing it in our area of responsibility, which is El Paso all the way to Midland-Odessa, the entire Big Bend area and the whole state of New Mexico," said Carlos Briano, public information officer for the DEA El Paso Division.
Current seizures of fentanyl were provided, but are expected to be released later this month. El Paso Matters reported back in December, seizures rose drastically from fiscal years 2020 and 2021 — from 32 kilograms to 178 kilograms.
Briano said the DEA seized more than 15,000 pounds nationwide.
"Fentanyl is 50 times more potent than heroin and 100 times more potent than morphine. So by now adding these colorful, bright color shapes and sizes, (drug traffickers) are deliberately without doubt now targeting this younger demographic to drive addiction in our country," said Briano.
Click here to visit the 'One Pill Can Kill' Campaign website. There you can find a list resources available for parents including how to prevent drug use.
