Officials seeing increase in overdoses in Ventura County, link to counterfeit pills

VENTURA COUNTY, Calif. -- Ventura County Pharmaceutical Crimes Unit saw an increase in overdoses throughout Ventura County during the last quarter of 2019.

They saw the majority of the cases involved counterfeit Oxycodone and Alprazolam pills.

They say these counterfeit pills are generally mass-produced in Mexico and smuggled across the border.

Pharmaceutical Crimes Unit intercepted and seized thousands of these pills being trafficked into Ventura County. 

These counterfeit Oxycodone tablets are sold for up to $50 per tablet. 

The counterfeit Alprazolam tablets usually are sold for up to $10 per tablet. 

Illegally manufactured pills do not have a safety testing mechanism, like the FDA, in place to ensure quality control. 

Pressed pills commonly are manufactured using fentanyl, not the genuine ingredients in genuine pills. A 2-milligram dose of fentanyl is a fatal amount for most adults.

The Pharmaceutical Crimes Unit recommends only taking pills and medication that is prescribed and filled at an accredited pharmacy. 

They warn that the possession or use of medication not prescribed is a crime and could also lead to overdose. 

Ventura County Sheriff Stations have prescription pill disposal bins for expired, counterfeit or unprescribed pills. Pills can be dropped off and surrendered no questions asked.