WEST VIRGINIA — The Huntington Police Department is warning residents after officers seized more than 900 multi-colored tablets containing fentanyl that were pressed into the shape of a popular cartoon emblem.
According to a public safety alert issued by the department, members of the Huntington Violent Crime Drug Task Force recovered the tablets Tuesday. The pills were molded to resemble an emblem from the “Transformers” series and were brightly colored, approximately the size of a child’s vitamin. Authorities said the appearance of the tablets increases the risk they could be mistaken for candy.
Preliminary field tests conducted by investigators indicated the tablets tested positive for MDMA, commonly known as ecstasy or molly, as well as fentanyl, a highly potent synthetic opioid. Fentanyl has been linked to hundreds of thousands of overdose deaths nationwide.
Police said while MDMA itself poses serious health risks, the presence of fentanyl significantly increases the likelihood of overdose and death. Officials noted that these types of tablets are often sold as ecstasy in street-level transactions and in club settings. With fentanyl added, authorities warned that even a single tablet could prove fatal.
The department is urging parents and guardians to speak with children and teenagers about the dangers of consuming unknown substances. Officials emphasized that the candy-like appearance of the tablets makes them particularly dangerous, especially to small children who may unknowingly ingest them.
Anyone with information regarding the distribution of illegal drugs or other criminal activity is asked to contact the Huntington Police Department. Emergencies or crimes in progress should be reported by calling 911. Non-emergency calls can be made to Cabell County 911 at 304-526-8585. Anonymous tips can be submitted by calling 304-696-4444.
Police said a photograph of several of the seized tablets has been released to raise public awareness and aid in identification.
