Seattle police seize 16,000 fentanyl pills and $10,000 after arrest in North Seattle

SEATTLE — Seattle police seized 16,000 fentanyl pills and $10,000 after arresting a 24-year-old man in North Seattle on Wednesday.

The narcotics investigation served two search warrants on his vehicle and residence. Police found 10,000 pills in the vehicle, as well as 6,000 more pills in his home along with $10,000.

Narcotics detectives have been dedicated to taking counterfeit pills off the streets due to a recent spike in fentanyl-related overdose deaths.

The pills often look identical to medications, such as hydrocodone, Xanax or other prescription painkillers. However, these counterfeit pills often contain lethal amounts of fentanyl, which is 100 times more potent than morphine.

Seattle police suggest the best way to stay safe is to never take prescription medicine that has not been prescribed to you.