This week’s photo is from the Lowell (Massachusetts) Police Department, which in collaboration with the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), has introduced a “One Pill Can Kill” police cruiser to raise awareness about the lethal risks of fentanyl-laced pills.
The cruiser, wrapped with bold graphics, will be operated by a School Resource Officer at Lowell High School, delivering a powerful message to students and the community about the dangers of counterfeit pills resembling real prescriptions.
Superintendent Greg Hudon emphasized the urgency of the campaign, noting, “Many people who have died from pills laced with fentanyl believed them to be legitimate medications.” According to the DEA, fentanyl-related drug poisoning is now the leading cause of death for Americans aged 18-45, with counterfeit pills accounting for a significant share of fatalities.
Lowell Police and the DEA are collaborating to spread the One Pill Can Kill message as part of the DEA’s Operation Engage, a four-year-old initiative aimed at spreading awareness of the dangers of fake pills that look like real prescription pills by engaging police, faith-based organizations, workplaces, schools and more. For more on the “One Pill Can Kill” campaign and resources for parents, visit DEA.gov/onepill.
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