Customs and Border Protection stepped up its screening of incoming international packages. However, vendors still manage to send the packages within aluminum alloy bags through international mail carriers complete with tracking numbers, so customers can monitor the itinerary from halfway around the world. “I have never done anything illegal, and my work is all within legal bounds,” Chen said. Corporate records seen by C4ADS and NPR show Chen also registered a string of export and pharmaceutical companies linked to his opioid-selling operation in Ningxia. “The customer has the responsibility to guarantee the compound is legal where the receiving address is,” the salesperson said. But when NPR visited the company in November 2019, the salesperson confirmed it still sold “99918,” which is code for a popular fentanyl precursor, according to C4ADS analysts, and was banned in China in 2018.
Fentanyl is a powerful synthetic opioid that is similar to morphine but is 50 to 100 times more potent. It is a Schedule II controlled substance, which means that it has a high potential for abuse and is available only through a prescription from a licensed healthcare provider. Despite its legal status, there is a growing trend of people trying to buy fentanyl online without a prescription.
NBC News did not go through with the purchase of the drug, but the Drug Enforcement Agency says mainland Chinese companies are known to manufacture and distribute fentanyl and other illegal drugs using e-commerce. The program not only educates parents and students but also school officials including administrators and teachers. FOX26 News confirmed with Fresno Unified School District beginning this year all middle and high schools will carry Narcan. The reversing agent is administered through a nasal spray reversing the effect of an opioid overdose, in particular, fentanyl. Some WA State syringe services programs can provide fentanyl test strips.
Is it Legal to Buy Fentanyl Online?
Have Naloxone On Hand
No. It is illegal to buy fentanyl online without a valid prescription from a licensed healthcare provider. Buying fentanyl online without a prescription is a federal crime that can result in severe penalties, including fines and imprisonment.
The Power Of Community: Joining Support Groups
Wherever you or someone you care about may be in a struggle with opioids, there are people ready to help. In Wisconsin, no one is alone in their journey to overcome opioid use disorder. As fentanyl floods the illicit drug market, the price for a pill has dropped substantially in the past few years. Dealers will even offer tens of thousands of pills to local distributors without being paid, allowing payment after the pills are sold, said Sergeant Al Schultz, a Tacoma Police Department special investigations unit officer.
Why Do People Buy Fentanyl Online?
Pharmacist distribution of FTS could increase access to FTS at the community level and has the potential to change drug use behavior and reduce overdose deaths. Either way, that might seem like a high cost for a small amount of drugs. However, fentanyl is chosen by illegal drug producers and drug dealers for its strength and affordability.
There are several reasons why people may try to buy fentanyl online. Some may believe that buying fentanyl online is a convenient and discreet way to obtain the drug. Others may be seeking a cheaper alternative to buying it from a licensed pharmacy. However, these reasons do not justify the illegality and potential dangers of buying fentanyl online without a prescription.
- It is also important to note that COVID-19 can impact someone’s respiratory function and we are unsure how COVID-19 impacts someone’s risk to overdose.
- In Fiscal Year (FY) 2017, HSI seized nearly 2,400 pounds of fentanyl nationally.
- Similarly, pharmacists in this sample reported not knowing where to order FTS.
- Mixing fentanyl into heroin magnified the potency and also, the risk.
What are the Risks of Buying Fentanyl Online?
Substance Use Prevention & Harm Reduction
There are several risks associated with buying fentanyl online without a prescription. These risks include:
- Receiving counterfeit or contaminated fentanyl:
- Overdose:
- Criminal charges:
When you buy fentanyl online, there is no way to know for sure what you are getting. The drug may be counterfeit, contaminated, or not fentanyl at all. This can lead to serious health consequences, including overdose and death.
Fentanyl is a highly potent drug, and even a small amount can be deadly. When you buy fentanyl online, you have no way of knowing the exact dosage or purity of the drug. This can increase the risk of overdose and death.
Buying fentanyl online without a prescription is illegal and can result in severe penalties, including fines and imprisonment.
FAQs
Can I buy fentanyl online legally?
No, it is illegal to buy fentanyl online without a valid prescription from a licensed healthcare provider.
Is it safe to buy fentanyl online?
No, buying fentanyl online without a prescription is not safe. The drug may be counterfeit, contaminated, or not fentanyl at all. This can lead to serious health consequences, including overdose and death.
What are the risks of buying fentanyl online?
The risks of buying fentanyl online include receiving counterfeit or contaminated fentanyl, overdose, and criminal charges.
Conclusion
In conclusion, it is illegal and dangerous to buy fentanyl online without a valid prescription from a licensed healthcare provider. The risks of buying fentanyl online include receiving counterfeit or contaminated fentanyl, overdose, and criminal charges. If you need fentanyl for medical purposes, it is important to obtain it through a licensed healthcare provider and to follow their instructions carefully. If you or someone you know is struggling with opioid addiction, seek professional help immediately.
