Loudoun County Sheriff’s Office warning of counterfeit pills following 2 fatal overdoses

FILE - This undated file photo provided by the U.S. Attorneys Office for Utah and introduced as evidence at a trial shows fentanyl-laced fake oxycodone pills collected during an investigation. Congress has voted to temporarily extend a sweeping tool that has helped federal agents crack down on drugs chemically similar to fentanyl. The Senate on Thursday, April 29, 2021, approved legislation extending until October an order that allows the federal government to classify so-called fentanyl analogues as Schedule I controlled substances. The drugs are generally foreign-made with a very close chemical makeup to the dangerous opioid. (U.S. Attorneys Office for Utah via AP, File)(AP/Uncredited)

The Loudoun County Sheriff’s office in Virginia says two recent fatal overdoses involved suspected counterfeit prescription pills.

The deaths are believed to have been from pain killers that were likely counterfeit — including possibly street-level Percocet, according to the sheriff’s office.

Both cases are pending toxicology reports.

The sheriff’s office said that counterfeit prescription pills purchased online or on the streets can contain Fentanyl or other substances that can be deadly and can be inhaled through the nose or mouth.

They said that even trace amounts can be harmful.

“Any counterfeit prescription pills purchased online or on the streets may can contain Fentanyl or other cutting agents. These substances, when added to the counterfeit pills, can easily and quickly cause death,” said Loudoun County Sheriff Mike Chapman.

This warning follows a similar alert by health officials in Frederick County, Maryland, after non-fatal overdoses there were caused by counterfeit pills.

Officials say they are unsure right now if the cases in Virginia and Maryland are linked.