Law enforcement officials in southwest Nebraska are sounding the alarm over a rise in counterfeit pills linked to two recent overdose cases—one of them fatal. According to a statement from the Nebraska State Patrol, the incidents occurred within the past week and may be connected.
Captain Jason Scott, head of the State Patrol’s investigative services, emphasized the seriousness of the situation. “These cases are tragic, and it’s imperative that people understand the dangers associated with counterfeit pills,” he said. “Never take prescription pills unless they’re prescribed by a doctor and come directly from a pharmacy.”
The fatal overdose involved a 22-year-old woman in McCook, and that case is currently under investigation by the McCook Police Department. The second incident, which occurred in Culbertson, did not result in a death and is being investigated by the Nebraska State Patrol with support from the Hitchcock County Sheriff’s Office.
Both cases involve pills that were made to look like legitimate prescription medication but are suspected to contain synthetic opioids, which can be deadly even in small amounts.
Anyone with information about these counterfeit pills or recent overdoses in the area is urged to contact the Nebraska State Patrol Troop D investigative services at 308-535-8050.
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