TERRE HAUTE, Ind. (WTWO/WAWV) — Police claim to have confiscated almost two pounds of fentanyl pills worth an estimated $75,000 as part of a drug bust.

According to the Terre Haute Police, the bust began when members of the Vigo County Drug Task Force were investigating fentanyl distribution in the area. During the investigation, officers reported finding thousands of fentanyl pills, with a total weight of just under two pounds. Police say that the pills are worth an estimated $75,000.

(Image courtesy THPD)

Police said that these kinds of drugs pose an increased risk to the public due to questions of purity and dosage.

Because of its potency and low cost, drug dealers have been mixing fentanyl with other drugs including heroin, methamphetamine, and cocaine, increasing the likelihood of a fatal interaction. Producing illicit fentanyl is not an exact science. Two milligrams of fentanyl can be lethal depending on a person’s body size, tolerance and past usage. DEA analysis has found counterfeit pills ranging from .02 to 5.1 milligrams (more than twice the lethal dose) of fentanyl per tablet.

THPD Facebook Post

Residents with knowledge of any sale or distribution of fentanyl are asked to call the Vigo County Drug Task Force at 812-244-2590.