9781422274262

A bag of counterfeit opioid painkiller pills, seized in a Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) raid, which were found to contain the powerful drug fentanyl. Over the past several years this potent drug has been responsible for tens of thousands of overdose deaths.

WORDS TO UNDERSTAND

autopsy —a medical examination conducted after a person dies to determine the cause of death. black market —an “underground” or shadow economy dealing in illegal or secret goods such as drugs. chronic —a long-lasting illness or disease that lasts a long time. counterfeit —an copy of an authentic original product with the intent to cheat or defraud. synthetic drugs —drugs created in labs from chemicals, also known as “designer drugs.”

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Fentanyl: The World's Deadliest Drug