Westbury, NY – The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) announced that investigators seized dozens of illegal, counterfeit pills at a home on Cantiague Lane in Westbury, near the Hicksville border. Officials say the find included a nitazine synthetic opioid pressed into a pill — the first time this form has been recovered on Long Island.
The discovery has alarmed law enforcement and public-health officials because the pills were designed to look like legitimate prescription medications such as oxycodone, making them especially dangerous for unsuspecting users. DEA Special Agent in Charge Frank A. Tarentino III warned that some nitazines can be up to 100 times more powerful than fentanyl, dramatically increasing the risk of fatal overdoses.
The Unexpected Discovery
Authorities executed an operation last month at a residence on Cantiague Lane. During the search, they located and seized dozens of counterfeit pills and other illicit substances. Law enforcement sources described the pills as convincingly imitating legitimate prescription opioids — a tactic that increases the likelihood of accidental ingestion.
- Location: Westbury home near Hicksville border
- Seized items: Dozens of pills pressed to look like prescription medication
- Notable finding: Nitazine pressed into a pill — a first for Long Island
- Authority: DEA Special Agent in Charge Frank A. Tarentino III
Why This Nitazine Discovery Matters
Nitazines are a class of emerging synthetic opioids that are drawing scrutiny because of their extraordinary potency. According to DEA officials, certain nitazines can be far more potent than fentanyl, which has already caused a surge in overdose deaths nationwide.
Because the pills were pressed to look like legitimate medications, users may not realize they are ingesting a highly dangerous substance rather than a prescribed opioid.
“This is what’s killing people. This is what is more powerful than fentanyl that can cause these overdose deaths and poisonings that we are seeing play out across the United States,”— Frank A. Tarentino III, DEA Special Agent in Charge
Community and Law Enforcement Response
Local and federal agencies are increasing public warnings and outreach after the seizure. Law enforcement stressed that counterfeit pills may look identical to oxycodone or other prescription drugs but can contain lethal synthetic opioids like nitazines or fentanyl.
- Public warnings: Alerts to avoid taking pills not prescribed by a medical professional
- Enforcement: Ongoing investigations into the source and distribution of the seized pills
- Health advice: Seek immediate medical help for suspected overdoses and carry naloxone where appropriate
Implications for the Future
The emergence of pill-pressed nitazines on Long Island raises concerns about the evolving illicit drug supply and the effectiveness of existing harm-reduction strategies. Officials say rapid identification of new synthetic opioids and expanded public education are critical to preventing further fatalities.
Key Takeaways
- First on Long Island: Nitazine found pressed into a pill in Westbury — a local first.
- High potency: Some nitazines can be up to 100 times more powerful than fentanyl.
- Deceptive appearance: Pills mimicked legitimate prescription drugs like oxycodone.
- Public risk: Increased chance of accidental overdoses and deaths.
Stay informed: If you encounter pills that are not prescribed to you, do not take them. Contact local health services, law enforcement, or addiction support resources for guidance.
What do you think about this discovery? Have you or someone you know ever encountered counterfeit pills or unexpected reactions to medication? Share your thoughts and experiences in the comments below.
