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Ohio identifies first deadly case of ‘rainbow fentanyl’ found in state

By Kelcey Norris Mahoning Matters
Ohio BCI seizes first deadly dose of fentanyl disguised as candy that’s made its way into Ohio
Ohio BCI seizes first deadly dose of fentanyl disguised as candy that’s made its way into Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost

Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost said officers with the Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigations have found a batch of the same deadly drug being disguised as candy distributed in the state for the first time.

It’s known as “rainbow fentanyl,” and 1,025 of these brightly colored pills was recently seized by the Franklin County sheriffs as part of a Columbus-area drug-trafficking investigation.

What is rainbow fentanyl?’

Rainbow fentanyl are made purposefully to resemble candy to attract and hurt younger people, and it is already making its way across the nation.

“Do not be fooled by appearances – rainbow fentanyl is death disguised as candy,” Yost said. “The bottom line is this: If you’re taking a pill that your doctor didn’t prescribe, you can’t be certain what you consume.”

The criminal investigation is ongoing, according to Yost’s office.

Sen. Sherrod Brown introduced a new bipartisan bill that would declare the international trafficking of fentanyl as an emergency.

“These particular pills originated in Mexico but were intercepted by the Franklin County Sheriff’s Office before they could be distributed,” Yost said. “A special thanks to Sheriff Baldwin’s Special Investigations Unit – keep up the good work.”

Although this is the first instance of “rainbow fentanyl” in the state, BCI has previously identified fentanyl during investigations made in multiple forms, including colored powders and in combination with other drugs.

“We’re certainly proud of the diligent work of our Special Investigations Unit and BCI’s lab,” said Chief Deputy Rick Minerd of the Franklin County Sheriff’s Office. “The sad reality is drug traffickers continue to stoop to all-time lows, marketing their deadly products to Americans of all ages to monetize addiction.”

For more information and facts about fentanyl, visit the CDC’s website.

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