Police seized approximately 16,000 fentanyl pills and $10,000 on Wednesday after arresting one suspect and serving two search warrants.
As part of a narcotics investigation, officers arrested a 24-year-old man and served search warrants on his vehicle and residence. Police seized 10,000 pills from the vehicle and 6,000 more pills plus $10,000 from his North Seattle residence.
In light of the recent spike in fentanyl-related overdose deaths, Narcotics Detectives have dedicated significant resources to getting these counterfeit pain pills off the street. The pills – often called “M30s” or “Blues” based on their markings and color – look identical to legitimate medications such as hydrocodone, Xanax or other prescription pain medications. These dangerous pills contain fentanyl, a powerful opioid 100 times more potent than morphine. Based on a sampling of tablets seized nationwide in 2019, DEA found that 27 percent contained potentially lethal doses of fentanyl.
The best way to stay safe is never take prescription medicine that was not prescribed specifically for you. There is no concern of counterfeit pills entering the legitimate prescription supply chain. For more information please go to the King County Health resource page.