THOMASVILLE — A fatal drug sweeping the nation was among topics of discussion at a Wednesday meeting of the Thomasville-Thomas County Drug Commission.

Louis Schofill, Thomas County/Thomasville Narcotics/Vice Division commander, told the panel he has received many calls about fentanyl from residents and the news media.

“We’re trying to stay on top of this,” Schofill said.

The drug, which is manufactured to be absorbed through the skin, is being found in counterfeit prescription pills. Four deaths and 48 overdoses have been reported recently from Macon to Albany from the drug being in pills.

Pills manufactured illegally to look like a prescription painkiller have made their way to the streets, Schofill said.

“If you’re buying pills on the streets, some of these pills, they think, are fake or manufactured,” the commander said.

Narcotics/vice seized pills in recent days that will be tested to determine if they are a counterfeit opioid killer drug.

Wiley Grady, a Thomas County commissioner and drug commission member, pointed out that drug agents handling counterfeit pills must take precautions when handling the substances.

“The news media’s been hitting hard on this fentanyl lately, and it’s still going on,” Schofill told the drug panel.

The source of the pills is being sought at the state level.

Schofill said narcotics agents know the fake, possibly deadly, pills are available  in Thomas and Grady counties.

He said drug users who purchase pills from street dealers should be aware that counterfeit pills have markings and indentations that make them appear to be from legitimate pharmaceutical manufacturers.  

Senior reporter Patti Dozier can be reached at (229) 226-2400, ext. 1820