Lethal Counterfeit Pills Spark Warning From UCSC Police Chief

SANTA CRUZ, CA — The UC Santa Cruz chief of police is warning the campus community to be aware of potentially lethal counterfeit pills that are being distributed in the Monterey Bay region.

A student at California State University, Monterey Bay, is believed to have overdosed on a Percocet pill that was laced with fentanyl. The student survived the incident after officers administered two doses of naloxone. Similar incidents have occurred in Santa Cruz, according to UCSC Police Chief Nader Oweis.

In an effort to protect the community, UCSC police officers are also carrying naloxone to treat narcotic overdose in emergency situations. Naloxone allows overdose patients to breathe normally until medical professionals arrive. Naloxone kits are also available to students at the UC Santa Cruz Pharmacy, according to the chief.

"The safety of our campus community is our priority. Please consider the high risks associated with the misuse of prescription or 'street' drugs. Fentanyl" — a powerful synthetic opioid — "has been found in counterfeit pills, cocaine, heroin, and methamphetamine both locally, in surrounding counties and across California," according to the chief.

Signs of an opioid overdose may include:

• Loss of consciousness

• Slow, shallow breathing

• Choking or gurgling sounds

• Limp body

• Pale, blue or cold skin

Call 911 if overdose is suspected.