PURPOSE: Samples seized from the Southwest border ports of entry by Customs and Border Protection (CBP) were submitted to the Center for Forensic Science Research and Education (CFSRE) for the purposes of qualitative and quantitative testing. The purpose of this report is to provide information on the substances identified in counterfeit tablets seized in 2020—2023.
BACKGROUND: CBP seizes counterfeit tablets monogrammed “M30” that have the appearance of pharmaceutical oxycodone, but are suspected to contain fentanyl. These tablets were analyzed by gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC/MS). A total of 1,219 originating from 81 seizures were analyzed. The scope of the GC/MS analysis includes about 11,00 compounds including controlled substances, pharmaceuticals, synthesis precursors and by-products, and adulterants.
