Dangerous New Drug Found in Utah Schools is Technically Legal

A dangerous new drug is popping up in several Utah schools resulting in the deaths of two middle schoolers and there isn’t anything authorities can do about it since it is technically legal.

Pink

U-47700, otherwise known as pink or pinky is a synthetic opioid that gives users a high that has been compared to that of oxycodone and even heroin. It is extremely dangerous and has a high risk of overdosing since the high doesn’t last long causing the user to take multiple doses resulting in respiratory distress. Pink is actually not a new drug but was created back in the 1970’s as another alternative to morphine; it was never approved however and quickly vanished. For unknown reasons, the drug has resurfaced within the past few years and has been linked to numerous deaths including the late singer Prince and multiple individuals throughout Utah including two 13 year old boys.

A new drug is a legal drug

Since U-47700 is in a sense “new”, its exact chemical makeup isn’t included on the controlled substance list making it not against the law to use, sell, or buy. This means that pink can be ordered online from China and distributed openly to anyone anywhere, even at public schools. In an effort to stop the spread of this new drug The DEA and individual states are scrambling to have U-47700 added to the controlled substance list. Until then, pink will continue to inundate Utah schools and the death toll is expected to continue rising.

Education

It is important that parents speak to their children about the dangers of this new drug, regardless of whether or not it is lawful. While most Utah kids have been told to stay away from illegal drugs, they also need to be educated on steering clear of anything that can pose a hazard to their health. Additionally, it is only a matter of time before U-47700 is prohibited in which criminal charges for possession and distribution would be imminent.