Mexican Authorities Strike Back Against Fentanyl-Laced Pills In Tourist Hotspots

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Mexican authorities have taken action against 31 pharmacies near popular tourist destinations for selling Fentanyl-laced pills, as reported by the Los Angeles Times.

Thousands of boxes of pills were seized during operations near Tijuana. The U.S. government had previously issued a "health alert" in March, cautioning Americans against purchasing medication from Mexican pharmacies due to the potential sale of Fentanyl-tainted pills.

The Mexican government released a statement, stating that this crackdown was made possible by citizen complaints and marks a significant development in a region that attracts millions of tourists annually. The authorities received and analyzed information regarding various health irregularities.

In a previous investigation conducted by the LA Times, it was revealed that several pharmacies in northwest Mexico were selling pills advertised as Adderall, Xanax, and Oxycodone, which were found to be laced with Fentanyl. Mexican authorities have been conducting raids on these pharmacies for several months in an effort to combat this issue.

The State Department also issued a warning in March, urging caution when purchasing medication in Mexico. They highlighted that pharmaceuticals, both over-the-counter and prescription, are often easily accessible with minimal regulation. Counterfeit medication is prevalent and may be ineffective, incorrect in strength, or contain dangerous ingredients. The State Department advised that medication should only be purchased in consultation with a medical professional and from reputable establishments.

This recent crackdown on pharmacies selling Fentanyl-laced pills near tourist destinations highlights the Mexican government's commitment to addressing this issue and ensuring the safety of both locals and tourists. The collaboration between authorities and citizen complaints serves as a precedent for future actions against health irregularities in the region.