Question: A recent analysis of counterfeit OxyContin seized in Canada demonstrated fentanyl to be present in 89% of all tablets. Fentanyl is also often found in counterfeit alprazolam as well as other counterfeit medications. Why is fentanyl apparently used so often in the production of illicit street drugs?
Answer: The cited editorial notes: “Rising fentanyl use reflects the drugs potency and low production costs. Even with declining prices, heroin costs about $65,000 per kilogram wholesale, whereas illicit fentanyl is available at roughly $3500 per kilogram. Drug dealers thus face strong incentives to mix fentanyl with heroin and other street drugs.” (Frank RG and Pollack HA. Addressing the fentanyl threat to public heath. 2017 NEJM 376(7):605-607
Question: A recent analysis of counterfeit OxyContin seized in Canada demonstrated fentanyl to be present in 89% of all tablets. Fentanyl is also often found in counterfeit alprazolam as well as other counterfeit medications. Why is fentanyl apparently used so often in the production of illicit street drugs?