A report from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) found that overdose deaths from counterfeit drugs are at a historical high.
The report analyzed overdose deaths and false drug use between July 2019 and December 2021.
Between those dates, there were more than 54,000 overdose deaths with evidence suggesting counterfeit drug involvement.
Overdose deaths with links to fake pills were connected to those aged 35 and younger.
Over half of the deaths from counterfeit drugs were linked to counterfeit oxycodone or counterfeit alprazolam, or Xanax.
The fake drugs may contain illicitly manufactured fentanyl (IMFs) or illegal benzodiazepines, both of which increase overdose risks.
Reporting from The Hill:
The Biden administration announced Wednesday that more than $450 million in new funding will be allocated to combat the overdose epidemic with the goal to reduce deaths, support recovery efforts and invest in information campaigns that target young people.
