For More Information Contact:
Drug Task Force Coordinator
Detective Sergeant Adam D. Harris
The Dutchess County Drug Task Force is advising the public of an increased presence of Fentanyl in our communities, in particular counterfeit 30mg Oxycodone pills containing Fentanyl.
Since January of 2022, the Dutchess County Drug Task Force has seized several thousand counterfeit prescription pills containing Fentanyl through investigations conducted in the Dutchess County area. In September 2022 alone, the DCDTF seized more than 2,000 counterfeit prescription pills. These pills are typically light blue in color and imprinted “M-30” in an effort to imitate real prescription 30mg Oxycodone pills. Recently, counterfeit 30mg oxycodone pills in various colors containing Fentanyl were seized in other areas of New York State.
Illegal drugs seized by the Dutchess County Drug Task Force, for example heroin, cocaine and crack cocaine are often contaminated with Fentanyl.
Fentanyl is a synthetic opioid that is similar to morphine but is 50 to 100 times more potent. According to the Federal Drug Enforcement Administration, as little as two milligrams of fentanyl can be lethal. According to the CDC, 107,622 Americans died of drug overdoses in 2021, with 66 percent of those deaths related to synthetic opioids like Fentanyl. In 2021, the Dutchess County Drug Task Force recorded more than 100 fatal drug overdose deaths within Dutchess County with Fentanyl being involved in an overwhelming amount of cases. If you encounter Fentanyl in any form, or any other drug, do not handle it and call 911 immediately.
A person overdosing on Fentanyl may exhibit signs that include but are not limited to, cold and or clammy skin, cyanosis, and changes in pupil size, coma, or any form of respiratory distress. If you experience any of these symptoms or observe someone experiencing similar symptoms and you believe Fentanyl may be involved contact 911 immediately.
If anyone has information about individuals selling drugs including Fentanyl you are urged to contact the Drug Task Force confidential tip line at 845-463-6040 or by sending an email to the following address: DrugTaskForceTips@gmail.com
The Dutchess County Drug Task Force encourages anyone seeking assistance with drug addiction or treatment to call the Dutchess County HELPLINE at 845-485-9700, or walk into the Stabilization Center at 230 North Road in Poughkeepsie (845) 486-2849. This contact is available 24/7/365 to help you get connected to the services you need.
You can also visit Dutchess County Government website at the following web address:
https://www.dutchessny.gov/Departments/DBCH/alcohol-substance-use-services.htm
