Drug dealers are making counterfeit 'Xanax' pills out of a dangerous painkiller responsible for an overdose crisis

Public health officials are warning that drug dealers are counterfeiting Xanax pills and selling them on the streets. The fake Xanax pills contain a lethal dose of fentanyl, and have already been responsible for a number of overdoses.

The latest warning comes from the Illinois State Police and Monroe County Sheriff Neal Rohlfing. The health warning is nothing new, and sadly, it must be repeated occasionally across the nation.

Sheriff Rohlfing said Xanax is one of the most abused prescriptions medications by people with addictions. "We want the public to be aware. We want everyone to know the current dangers of this drug trend." He added the fake pills contain a deadly mixture of an opioid called fentanyl.

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