Police See Spike In Deadly Counterfeit Pills

MCHENRY COUNTY, IL — Authorities in McHenry County are urging caution after seeing more overdose deaths tied to counterfeit prescription medications that contain fentanyl.

Fentanyl and numerous other substances have been discovered in counterfeit Percocet, or oxycodone hydrochloride, pills, which are stamped with “M30,” police said. These counterfeit pills are known as “Perc 30s” or “Blue M30” and look identical to factory manufactured Percocet pills, according to a news release from the McHenry County Sheriff’s Office.

Police believe counterfeit prescription medications have led to several overdoses and deaths.

Authorities are urging residents to exercise caution if they encounter suspected counterfeit pills due to the potential of a lethal overdose from handling them. If suspected counterfeit pills are discovered, you should contact local law enforcement.

Police say people should not buy or ingest any prescription medication that is not prescribed to them or prescription medication of which they cannot verify the origin.

It is also recommended that community members inform their family and friends about the effects of the potentially lethal counterfeit pills.

The Sheriff’s Office encourages anyone with information regarding criminal activities to contact either the McHenry County Crime Stoppers at 1-800-762-STOP (7867), the McHenry County Sheriff’s Office Tip Line at 815-338-2144, or the tip line email address: TipLine@mchenrycountyil.gov.

Callers to the McHenry County Crime Stoppers may be eligible for a reward of up to $1,000 for information leading to the arrest and prosecution of an offender or offenders.

Anyone seeking information on treatment options for a substance use disorder can find out more by visiting the McHenry County Substance Abuse Collation’s website: www.mchenrycountysac.org.