DEA warns pills in New Hampshire look like Adderall but contain methamphetamine

The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) is warning that pills in New Hampshire designed to look like Adderall contain methamphetamine.

Jon DeLena, special agent in charge of the DEA’s New England Division, said that cartels in Mexico are making a “business decision” to manufacture pills that look like the prescription drug Adderall with methamphetamine to hook children, according to ABC affiliate WMUR 9.

DeLena said the pills have been showing up across New England, but have specifically shown up across “all four corners” of New Hampshire, WMUR 9 reported.

“They’ve shown up all over New England, but specifically New Hampshire, all four corners of the state are seizing these pills these pills,” DeLena said. “And they are deadly, and we need to get the message out there.” 

.@DEANEWENGLAND’s Jon DeLena explains how #Mexican Drug Cartels are now taking #Methamphetamine & pressing it to look like Rx pills such as #Adderall in an attempt to corner & addict a younger market here in #America! @CheriseWMUR @WMUR9 @DEAHQ #OpEngageNH https://t.co/z8NKhzsZgW

— DEANewEngland (@DEANEWENGLAND) March 17, 2021

According to the news outlet, a large number of resources are going into addressing the situation, and many pills have already been seized in the New England state. Still, parents, teachers and coaches are being advised to be vigilant and have conversations with children about the issue. 

“It’s probably one of the most critical messages that we’ve had to deliver yet. This is something that’s really disturbing,” DeLena said, according to WMUR. 

The pills actually have a higher dose of methamphetamine than individuals would typically use, the official added, according to the outlet. 

Adderall is used for treating attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, commonly known as ADHD, in children ages 6-12 and adolescents ages 13-17.

The Hill has reached out to the DEA for further comment.