Richmond, IN – The Wayne County Sheriff’s Office has shared new research tracking how pill presses are shaping the fentanyl crisis across the country.
According to the Partnership for Safe Medicines (PSM), these machines are increasingly tied to counterfeit pills made with fentanyl and other substances. Since 2019, pill presses have been reported in 42 states, with several new seizures and court cases in the first half of 2025.
The latest update describes how pill presses, often purchased online or modified from industrial equipment, allow traffickers to make tablets that closely resemble common prescriptions. Recent cases in Massachusetts and Texas led to the seizure of thousands of pills and multiple arrests connected to commercial pill press operations.
Law enforcement officials say the rise of these devices has complicated the fight against fentanyl, as fake pills can be difficult to distinguish from legitimate ones. At the same time, lawmakers in several states are considering tighter restrictions on pill press sales.
The Sheriff’s Office encouraged residents to review the full report to understand how the issue is evolving nationwide. The document includes data on seizures, court cases, and emerging legislation.
For more information, visit the Partnership for Safe Medicines at safemedicines.org.
