On Sunday, an official close to the investigation of the death of late musician Prince informed the public that several pills taken from the “Purple Rain” singer’s Paisley Park estate were actually counterfeit drugs that contained fentanyl, a synthetic opioid that is 50 times more powerful than heroin. Prince died on April 21 from an accidental overdose from fentanyl, yet he had no prescriptions for any controlled substances in the 12 months prior to his death.
After speaking on the condition of anonymity, the official described how many pills were falsely labeled as “Watson 385,” which is a stamp typically used to identify pills containing a mix of hydrocodone and acetaminophen, according to Drugs.com. Most of the dangerous pills were hidden in bottles of aspirin and Vitamin C that were stashed inside bags and a suitcase, one of which Prince regularly carried with him.
Videos by PopCulture.com
According to The Guardian, one pill with the “Watson 385” stamp tested positive for fentanyl, lidocaine and another drug after being analyzed by the Minnesota bureau of criminal apprehension. Officials recall finding nearly two dozens pills like the one that tested positive for fentanyl and lidocaine.
Another pill bottle in Prince’s possession contained 64 counterfeit tablets that after analysis contained fentanyl, lidocaine, and U-4770, the latter of which is a synthetic drug with eight times the power of morphine. In total, the authorities tested the contents of nearly 20 different pill bottles or containers.
The drugs in Prince’s system at the time of his death include: diazepam, lidocaine and hydrocodone acids, according to officials. Tests concluded that Prince did not have any fentanyl in his system when he died, which indicates that he was likely not a long-time abuser of that particular drug. Officials believe he probably took the fatal dose within 24 hours of his death.
Authorities are still investigating as to how Prince came to obtain the dangerous drugs.
[H/T The Guardian]
