In the last three days, two drug overdoses in southwest Nebraska, one of them fatal, are believed to have been caused by similar counterfeit pills.

The pills were likely made to look like legitimate prescription pills, Nebraska State Patrol spokesman Cody Thomas said.

Investigators believe the pills contained synthetic opioids, which can be lethal with a very small dose. Thomas said the NSP has been in contact with several agencies regarding a potential connection in the two cases.

In McCook, a 22-year-old female died. Thomas said the McCook police are investigating that case.

In Culbertson, the overdose did not result in a death but it is under investigation by the Nebraska State Patrol, with help from the Hitchcock County sheriff’s office, Thomas said.

“These cases are tragic and it’s imperative that people understand the dangers associated with counterfeit pills,” said Capt. Jason Scott, Commander of NSP Investigative Services. “Never take prescription pills unless they are prescribed by a physician and come directly from a pharmacy.” 

Anyone with information about counterfeit pills or an overdose case that has occurred in the area in recent days should contact investigators of Troop D of the Nebraska State Patrol at 308-535-8050, Thomas said.

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