3 Children Overdose Within 5 Days In Prince William County Due To Counterfeit Pills

PRINCE WILLIAM COUNTY, VA — A trio of children have overdosed after consuming fentanyl-laced counterfeit Percocet pills in Prince William County since Friday, police said. One of the overdoses was fatal.

The fatal overdose occurred on Friday in the Manassas area, authorities said. Other overdoses occurred in Manassas on Monday and in Woodbridge on Wednesday.

The police department said there is no reason to believe the three overdoses are connected.

"All three [overdoses] are believed to be connected to the popular fentanyl-laced narcotic known as 'Perc30,'" the Prince William County Police Department said on Thursday. "These incidents follow two other deaths that occurred earlier this year also involving youth consuming this lethal drug."

Read more: 2 Teen Overdose Deaths Lead To Police Warning About Counterfeit Drugs

Perc 30 is a counterfeit form of the painkilling drug Percocet. In several instances, the counterfeit pills have been laced with fentanyl to increase their potency, authorities said.

The police department has not announced any arrests in connection with the children's overdoses.

On Friday, police officers were called to a home in Manassas for an overdose involving a 17-year-old boy. Family members provided CPR and provided Narcan to the boy, but he died, according to the police report.

On Monday, first responders were called to another home in Manassas for a 16-year-old boy who overdosed and was foaming at the mouth, police said. He was taken to a hospital where authorities believe he will recover.

On Wednesday, family members performed CPR on an unconscious 15-year-old boy who had overdosed in Woodbridge, according to authorities. The boy eventually regained consciousness. He was taken to a hospital and police believe he will make a full recovery.

"The Police Department recognizes our youth population as most susceptible to peer influence and pressures," the police department said in a community message. "We implore parents and guardians to take immediate action to actively engage with their children and loved ones as soon as possible about the dangers of drug use and encourage constructive dialogue to prevent further deaths and illness."

The Prince William County School system and Prince William County Community Services offer support and resources for families. The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration operates a 24/7 hotline at 1-800-662-4357.