First reported in 2022 as a new drug trend in the United States, Rainbow Fentanyl is rising. Brightly colored, this makes Fentanyl more attractive to children, a fact parents need to be aware of, as Fentanyl has become the number one killer in overdoses, according to the DEA. Rainbow Fentanyl can come in many forms, such as a block that resembles sidewalk chalk and powder, and with its colorful forms, children can easily mistake it for candy. Although the DEA states they do not believe the drug cartels and street dealers have launched any new campaign targeting children, it is suggested that parents have an age-appropriate talk to their children regarding this new trend, and if anyone offers them something or speaks about drugs on or off social media, to report it to their parents immediately, and contact local law enforcement.
Advise your children to never to take anything from someone without adult supervision; this warning is dire considering how enticing this multi-colored Fentanyl can be. Overdose is common among people who use illegal opioids; unfortunately, with new disguises such as “Rainbow,” the overdoses in children could be unintentional, yet lethal. The DEA downplaying that the drug cartel and street dealers are not targeting the children is relatively mute, given that children are generally trusting and excited to receive something that resembles candy. Some of the drug traffickers have nicknamed it “Sweet Tarts and Skittles” however, the DEA refers to the Rainbow Fentanyl as a new way to market their product to young people and those who seek the drug, as one failed smuggling ploy was seized, finding the drug packed into a box LEGO toys, the DEA issued an alert. A statement went out from the New York Police Commissioner.
Last year, a man died at the Best Western Hotel and Suites in the 24800 block of Elder Avenue in Moreno Valley, and two women were hospitalized after ingesting Fentanyl. In addition, Moises Moreno of Moreno Valley, CA, was sentenced in federal court to 200 months in prison for importing more than 36 kilograms of the lethal drug from Mexico into the United States. He attempted to smuggle the pills into the states through a sophisticated compartment designed to hide the drug in the roof of his truck. U.S. Attorney Randy Grossman stated, “This sentence sends a clear message to any would-be drug courier that you will receive a significant sentence in this district for your role in importing dangerous narcotics like fentanyl.”
Re-emphasizing the DEA and the Judicial System is serious about prosecution for smuggling and those who sell to people who succumb to death by this potentially fatal narcotic. For the first time, a 20-year-old man faced murder charges in connection with a fentanyl-related death in which the young man allegedly sold the drug to the victim. This is a practice that has and will continue when incidents such as these are proven in a court of law.
Although the DEA makes a good point about why drug suppliers would not target children as it is “risky” and “there is no money to be made,” Rainbow Fentanyl is on the uprise and carries attributes enticing to a young child. Fentanyl is nearly impossible to be detected as it has no specific warnings. It cannot be tasted or seen or has a particular smell. This is the case with Fentanyl alone or any drug laced with the narcotic. There have many instances where very young children have taken something to school and given it innocently and unknowingly to their friends resulting in near-fatal and fatal incidents.
Overdose symptoms include:
- Shallowed breathing
- Confusion
- Lessened alertness or awareness
- Loss of consciousness
- Blue or gray lips
- Clammy or cold skin
Parents, please make yourselves aware, and educate your children on all illicit drugs, including Rainbow Fentanyl, whose palette comes in every color and various forms, and its results are increasingly devastating. Know the signs, call 911 and administer naloxone if available, a medication that quickly reverses an opioid overdose.
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