The Drug Enforcement Unit of the Fresno County Sheriff’s Office and the Department of Homeland Security are issuing a public safety warning regarding potentially deadly pills being sold on local streets and online by private parties.

Deputies and agents in Fresno County have recently become aware of people taking pills disguised as Alprazolam (aka Xanax), but really contain a high concentration of Fentanyl.  It is important to note these pills are from illegitimate / illegal sources, not from any valid retailers.

The pills look like authentic Xanax, however, ingesting them can have fatal results.  These pills may vary in color along with the numbers and letters stamped on them.

Recently, there have been six deaths which are being investigated as potential drug overdoses.  The toxicology results are still pending to determine if Fentanyl played a role. 

As a general rule, you should never purchase or ingest medication / prescription drugs that come from a private person.  Furthermore, the Sheriff’s Office encourages people to only take medicines prescribed by their doctor in the recommended dosages.  Make sure the pills match the description listed on the prescription label of the container or sealed packaging.  If you are uncertain about any medication, contact your doctor or pharmacist before taking.

If you become aware of the illegal sale of drugs, please report it to Valley Crime Stoppers at (559) 498-7867 or www.valleycrimestoppers.org