GBI issues updated Public Safety Alert on Counterfeit Pills

Last week, the Georgia Bureau of Investigation issued a public safety alert regarding counterfeit pills.

A meeting was held Tuesday with the metro Atlanta Drug Enforcement Commanders to discuss officer safety and handling of extremely dangerous drugs being encountered at the GBI Crime Lab. Those dangerous drugs include synthetic opioids found in counterfeit pills.

“Graveyard dead,” was the warning GBI Director Vernon Keenan gave during the public safety meeting on the dangers of the use and abuse of synthetic opioids, with a heavy emphasis on fentanyl and fentanyl derivatives.

Due to the increasing concern about transdermal drugs being contained within counterfeit pills, the existing alert was updated, emphasizing that the public be aware that certain synthetic opioids contained in counterfeit pills can also be absorbed through skin contact.

The GBI advises that when handling pills from an unknown source, gloves should be worn. If prescriptions came from a pharmacy, they are safe to take as directed. However, if purchased from another source, take caution.

For more information, contact 404-486-6420.