At Least 2 Local Overdose Deaths Related To Fake Painkillers

Authorities said fake painkillers are linked to at least two Oklahoma County deaths.

Officials with the Oklahoma Bureau of Narcotics confirmed two people died from overdose deaths Sunday after purchasing fake Oxycodone.

“There are some tablets that side by side may look absolutely identical to US pharmaceuticals like Oxycodone. Same stamping, same colors, but could be anywhere from 100 to 1000 times stronger than morphine,” OBN spokesperson Mark Woodward said.

The pills found at the scene of the overdoses were actually made of fentanyl, a cheaper drug disguised as Oxycodone.

According to the Bureau of Narcotics, there could be additional related overdoses in the Oklahoma County area.

“Most likely a much larger batch has come into the city and we could have more victims,” Woodward said.

He said one person of interest has already been interviewed.

Investigators are trying to determine where the victims bought the fake pills.

“The Oxycodone is one of the most popular brands, especially the 30 milligram, to counterfeit and sell on the dark web,” Woodward said.

Investigators are also awaiting autopsy results on the two victims from this weekend.

“We’re working with the medical examiner. We’re working with our other law enforcement partners and other cities that have seen some similar overdoses to see if there’s some similarities,” Woodward said.

Agents with the bureau are hoping to get the case solved before another person dies.

“These drugs are out there, and they can be deadly,” Woodward said.