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Pill Press Resources

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Pill Press Threat

Drug traffickers use pill presses to press fentanyl into pills and punches and dies to imprint markings and logos onto those pills, producing pills that look like legitimate prescription medication — like oxycodone, Xanax, and Adderall — when those pills actually contain fentanyl, methamphetamine, and other deadly drugs.

In 2024, the Drug Enforcement Administration seized more than 60 million fentanyl-laced fake pills and nearly 8,000 pounds of fentanyl powder. DEA laboratory testing currently indicates that 5 out of 10 pills contain a potentially deadly dose of fentanyl.

Counterfeit Pills and Pill Press Equipment

This video highlights the alarming rise of counterfeit pills containing synthetic drugs like illicit fentanyl, methamphetamine and nitazenes. The DEA seizing over 134 million counterfeit pills between 2023 and 2024. These pills pose a significant risk given they may contain a potentially lethal dose. The proposal aims to regulate the manufacturing and distribution of pill press machines by requiring serialization, record-keeping, and reporting to the Attorney General, with penalties for non-compliance. This initiative is crucial in combating the production of deadly counterfeit pills and safeguarding public health. 

DEA Efforts

  • DEA Issues Letter to E-Commerce Companies on the Sale of Pill Presses Used to Make Fentanyl Pills
  • DEA's Letter to E-Commerce Companies on the Sale and Distribution of Pill Presses
  • DEA E-Commerce Outreach Program

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