Some pharmacies in Mexico have been selling pills that look like legitimate medicine, but they are tainted with deadly drugs. A new report from the L.A. Times shows the U.S. government has known about the shady practice for years, but only announced a health alert over the tainted pharmaceuticals one month ago.
The U.S. State Department and Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) have known since 2019 that some pharmacies in Mexico are selling deadly drugs that look legitimate.
American travelers have bought medications such as oxycodone and Adderall at pharmacies in Mexico only for them to be laced with fentanyl and methamphetamine. Americans have overdosed after consuming such pills.
after a Times investigation, lawmakers asked the State Department to take action, prompting a nationwide health alert.
In a statement, the State Department justified the delayed announcement by saying the agency has advised travelers to exercise caution when purchasing medication overseas for some time.
The general advice now comes with a more specific alert that warns of counterfeit pills being sold inside Mexican pharmacies.
The DEA has not taken any public action.
