Blue Fentanyl Pills: What Are They?

Blue fentanyl pills seem to come out of nowhere but are now ubiquitous among drug users. Many drug users buy them via apps, social media, or on the street. Often, they think they’re buying a prescription drug like Oxycontin or Vicoden. Instead, they may end up with fake prescription pills known as “M30s”. These drugs are marketed as one thing but usually contain fentanyl. This is another reason why fentanyl-involved overdoses cause the majority of over 100,000 overdose deaths last year.

Blue Fentanyl Pills on the Street

Blue counterfeit pills, laced with fentanyl, often imitate Oxycodone obtained from a pharmacy. They usually contain fentanyl and sometimes are 100% fentanyl. The pills are a light blue, and are usually round. Sometimes, hwoever, they may be in a different shade, such as the rainbox fentanyl that was all over the news last year. Blue pills are the most common.

Instead of calling them Oxy on the street, they’re often referred to as “M-30s,” “blues,” “dirty 30's” or “Mexies.” They may have numbers stamped on them like real prescription drugs. Sometimes they are grainier and may leave a powdery residue when handled.

People who are not heavy opioid users often end up in an overdose state when they ingest it for the first time. Opioids like fentanyl are very potent. They may be even more powerful than fentanyl made by pharmaceutical companies. When a person overdoses on blue fentanyl, their respiration will slow. Overdoses often take multiple canisters of Narcan, an opioid-reversal drug.

Blue Fentanyl Pills in North Carolina

North Carolina and drug dealers within the state are not immune to distributing these pills.

In 2022, a Washington, North Carolina man was sentenced to 20 years in prison for distributing fentanyl across the country. His scheme involved pressing and selling counterfeit Xanax and Oxycontin pills. However, none of the drugs contained anything but fentanyl. On June 24, 2021, Dylan Hunter Holcomb pled guilty to conspiring to distribute fentanyl, possession with intent to distribute fentanyl, and possessing a firearm.

In March 2020, the Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office and the DEA Holcomb’s home in Washington and arrested him. Authorities seized 1,500 counterfeit pills containing fentanyl, a 3D printed firearm and silencer, and a high-capacity pill press. They also took possession of several electronics and multiple cryptocurrency hardware wallets.

Blue Fentanyl: One Pill Can Kill

Blue fentanyl is a dangerous drug and it is becoming popular with young people based on its accessibility. Many people sell these pills on apps and social media, targeting young people and selling them cheap.

Fentanyl is the top cause of overdose deaths in the US, and it’s evident that one pill can kill. The DEA has put out information on the #OnePillCanKill hashtage across social media, warning parents families about the danger of fentanyl. Now, more than ever, drugs are being adultered by cartels and dealers looking to make quick cash, regardless of the consequences.

If you or somebody you love is a drug user and unwilling or unable to quit, one important tool to reverse an overdose is Narcan. Carrying Narcan can save the lives of people who use drugs.

Opioid Use Disorder and Fentanyl

Fentanyl is becoming a pervasive drug on the street, and it’s no wonder. Companies in China are willing to sell it cheap to cartels, who then repackage it as pills and sell it to drug users.

Some teens now use blue fentanyl as a drug of choice, and one reason they may have gotten hooked was the lack of education. Schools and health officials are now making a concerted effort to affect change. Opioid use disorder can change a child's brain and cause behavior problems, health problems, and even overdose.

If you or somebody you love is using fentanyl or other opioids, help is available.  We treat addiction to fentanyl throughout North Carolina. There’s no reason you have to wait to hit a “bottom” before you reclaim your life. Please reach out, get in touch, and learn about the options that can help you achieve long-term sobriety.