DEA Searching For Source Of Fentanyl Blamed For 7 Deaths In Sacramento Area

SACRAMENTO (CBS13) — The Drug Enforcement Administration says it's cracking down on fentanyl-laced pills that may be responsible for seven deaths in Sacramento County.

Special agent in charge John Martin says fentanyl is the deadliest opioid of them all.

"It is 25 to 50 times more powerful than heroin, 50 to 100 times more powerful than morphine," he said.

In each case, he says the painkiller is disguised as the prescription drug hydrocodone.

"You can have what's called a hot pill—one pill might have a grain or two more of fentanyl in it," he said.

Counterfeit tablets, which he says are manufactured in China, are smuggled into Mexican drug cartel and moved into California.

How the odorless white pills ended up in the Sacramento area is what drug agents are trying to figure out.

"Well this is a big priority for us. It's the biggest priority we have in the region right now-to take these pills off the street and to stop the people selling these pills and so we're conducting a full investigation with our state and local law-enforcement partners," he said.

George Berry, 18, is believed to be the latest victim. His family is requesting privacy, while his neighbors say they're disturbed to find out.

Glenn and Sue Souza say they fear teens are sharing the drugs for relief without knowing the consequences.

"I've even texted my granddaughter—my granddaughter is 14, 15—to be on the lookout," she said.