Here’s how to identify ‘rainbow fentanyl’ as dangerous opioid found in Sacramento area

Dangerous “rainbow fentanyl,” a synthetic opioid that resembles colorful candy, was found in the Sacramento area, prosecutors said Monday. With Halloween right around the corner, the Sacramento County District Attorney’s Office is urging parents and educators to have honest conversations with kids about the street drug.

Here’s what you need to know:

How to identify ‘rainbow fentanyl’

The pills come in a variety of colors and resemble Smarties candy, but the drug has been found in multiple forms across the U.S. It is designed to attract kids and teens, according to the DA.

Below are a few facts and key identifiers to help distinguish fentanyl:

• Rainbow fentanyl has been found in the form of pills, powder and blocks that look like sidewalk chalk.
• It is impossible to know if a pill has been laced with fentanyl, which is why it is always best to avoid any drug that doesn’t come directly from the pharmacy.
• Fentanyl, a opioid, is deadly. In a press release from the United States Drug Enforcement Administration, just two milligrams of fentanyl, which is equal to 10-15 grains of table salt, is considered a lethal dose.
  
  

Sacramento schools prepare

Earlier this month, Sacramento City Unified School District distributed Narcan throughout its schools, a preventative measure to combat the target on kids.

This story was originally published October 18, 2022 at 10:43 AM.