Dangerous counterfeit pills in region

To: UC Santa Cruz Community

From: Nader Oweis, Chief of Police

The campus community should be aware of potentially lethal counterfeit pills in the Monterey Bay region.

A student at California State University, Monterey Bay is believed to have overdosed on a Percocet pill that was laced with fentanyl, a synthetic and dangerous opioid. The student survived after officers administered two doses of naloxone. Similar incidents have occurred in Santa Cruz.

The safety of our campus community is our priority. Please consider the high risks associated with the misuse of prescription or "street" drugs. Fentanyl has been found in counterfeit pills, cocaine, heroin, and methamphetamine both locally, in surrounding counties and across California. 

In an effort to protect the campus community, UC Santa Cruz police officers are also carrying naloxone.

 

Naxolone allows the person to breathe normally until medical professionals arrive. Naloxone kits are also available to students at the UC Santa Cruz Pharmacy.

Signs of an opioid overdose may include:

  • Loss of consciousness

  • Slow, shallow breathing

  • Choking or gurgling sounds

  • Limp body

  • Pale, blue or cold skin

People should not hesitate to call 911 to seek medical assistance for themselves or someone else suffering an overdose.