fentanyl being circulated throughout the United States. The "rainbow fentanyl" was seized by agents in 18 different states this month alone, according to a DEA news release.
The administration believes the colorful narcotics are meant to attract children and young people because it resembles candy.
Rainbow fentanyl m30 pills. (DEA)"Rainbow fentanyl—fentanyl pills and powder that come in a variety of bright colors, shapes, and sizes—is a deliberate effort by drug traffickers to drive addiction amongst kids and young adults," said DEA Administrator Anne Milgram. RELATED: 'Rainbow Fentanyl' seized in Portland, drug spreading on West Coast: officials The fentanyl being seized by agents come in the form of colorful powder, pills and even blocks which looks similar to sidewalk chalk, the DEA said.
Rainbow fentanyl inside of a plastic bag. (DEA)There have been claims that certain colors have higher potency of fentanyl, however, the administration said lab testing has not shown any evidence of this. "The men and women of the DEA are relentlessly working to stop the trafficking of rainbow fentanyl and defeat the Mexican drug cartels that are responsible for the vast majority of the fentanyl that is being trafficked in the United States," Milgram added. RELATED: Police warn parents of 'Rainbow Fentanyl' making its way to the Pacific NorthwestFentanyl is a synthetic opioid that can be up to 100 times stronger than morphine, according to the U.S.