MCCOOK, Neb. – The Nebraska State Patrol is warning the public after multiple overdoses believed to be tied to counterfeit pills happened in the southwestern part of the state. Over the past three days, two overdose cases have been reported—one in McCook, where a 22-year-old woman died, and another in Culbertson. Authorities believe both involved fake pills made to resemble legitimate prescription medications, but laced with potent synthetic opioids.
“These cases are tragic and it’s imperative that people understand the dangers associated with counterfeit pills,” said Captain Jason Scott, Commander of NSP Investigative Services. “Never take prescription pills unless they are prescribed by a physician and come directly from a pharmacy.”
Emily’s Hope has reported on the dangers of counterfeit pills for several years. The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) says you should never trust your own eyes to determine if a pill is legitimate.
According to the DEA, more than 60 million fentanyl-laced counterfeit pills were seized in 2024, along with nearly 8,000 pounds of fentanyl powder—enough to account for over 380 million potentially deadly doses.
The deadly overdose in McCook remains under investigation. The case in Culbertson, which did not result in a death, is being investigated by the NSP with help from the Hitchcock County Sheriff’s Office.
Anyone with information about these counterfeit pills or any overdose case that has occurred in the area in recent days should contact the NSP Troop D Investigative Services Office at 308-535-8050.
