In my regular check-ins with our San Diego Fire Department and San Diego Police Department, one topic almost always comes up: illicit fentanyl. 

This poison is posing serious danger to our communities, killing hundreds of San Diegans each year.  

It is a deadly synthetic opioid that’s 50 times more potent than heroin, and it’s making its way into counterfeit pills and other drugs distributed by predatory dealers. 

Parents should know that kids are buying these counterfeit pills over apps like Snapchat and other social media -- and then dying because what they purchased has been laced with illicit fentanyl. Deaths from fentanyl-related overdose have increased dramatically over the past four years in San Diego County, especially among 15–24-year-olds, so don’t wait until it’s too late.  

Our law enforcement agencies are working tirelessly to combat this crisis, but I want to make sure families are educated about the dangers. Parents, talk with your kids about the dangers of fentanyl and buying pills from the internet and social media. Tell them how common it is for drugs bought illegally to contain a lethal dose of fentanyl. 

The scary reality is this: One pill can kill.  

Remember every action against this illicit drug counts. If you think you are close to someone at risk of an opioid overdose, consider picking up Naloxone, the overdose reversal medication, which is available across San Diego County at several locations.   

Together, San Diego can put an end to the dangers of illicit fentanyl. 

Get more news and information from the Mayor’s desk by signing up for his weekly newsletter via email or text message.