Last Updated: August 1, 2022

By: Lucille L., Communications & Social Media Intern, DanceSafe

A round cyan blue “M 30” pill sold as Oxycontin submitted from Calexico, CA, but sourced in Mexico tested as 50 (active) parts Acetaminophen (Tylenol), 20 (active) parts Fentanyl, and 1 (active) part 4-NAPP*, a precursor to fentanyl.

The pill was circular and blue, with a crooked letter “M” in a box on one side and “30” above a crooked break line on the other side, made to imitate a 30mg Oxycontin (pictured). The pill was counterfeit. According to the EcstasyData.org, the Marquis, Mecke, and Mandelin reagents did not react.

We urge our community to keep in mind that drug markets are expansive and these substances may appear in locations other than the submission’s origins. Always test before you ingest! This instance demonstrates the importance of using both reagents and fentanyl test strips when conducting drug checking for all substances. Remember, fentanyl and its analogues are lethal at small doses. You can learn more about how to use fentanyl test strips here, and you can purchase your DanceSafe drug checking kit here.

If you test a misrepresented substance, please submit it to testit@dancesafe.org to be featured in a #TestIt Alert.

*4-ANPP is an analytical reference material categorized as a piperidinamine. It is an intermediate in the synthesis of fentanyl from N-phenethyl-4-piperidone (NPP).1 As such, 4-ANPP may be used as a precursor for the manufacture of fentanyl and related opioids. 4-ANPP is also an impurity found in fentanyl preparations. It is a known metabolite of acetyl fentanyl, butyryl fentanyl, furanyl fentanyl, acrylfentanyl, and fentanyl.

Since 1998, DanceSafe has been keeping the electronic music and nightlife communities safe. As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, we provide free harm reduction services at music festivals and nightlife events across the nation. All proceeds from the sales of our drug checking kits go back into the organization so we can continue to provide our services in our communities for free. By purchasing a kit, you are not only helping keep you and your friends safe, you are also contributing to the harm reduction movement. Thank you for your support!